Ray Of Sunshine This coastal Queensland getaway is the ultimate escape.
This bright and breezy house in coastal Queensland is the perfect destination for an ocean-side escape plan.
Brisbane couple Genny and Chris Lee were originally searching for a dreamy coastal home in northern NSW, somewhere around Byron Bay or Lennox Head. The entrepreneurial pair who, among other business pursuits, import vintage Kombi vans from Brazil, were looking for a getaway where they could soak up the sun, catch waves and be transported into an easy, barefoot, endlesssummer lifestyle. When the Byron option didn’t pan out, they extended their search area north, up to Peregian Beach on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
Their quest for the perfect property ended when they chanced upon Helia House, a spectacular 1000-square-metre property with a single-storey home overlooking Peregian Beach. The prime location is only 10 minutes south of Noosa Beach, with expansive 180-degree views of Noosa National Park and coastline.
Built in the 1980s, the house had been extensively renovated just prior to Genny and Chris purchasing it 18 months ago. Key to the redesign – by architect Rohan
Jackson of Blackburne Jackson – was the reconfiguration of internal spaces to improve the flow and open up the entire home to natural light.
Since taking over the property, Genny and Chris have done a wonderful job of finessing it. They have updated the landscaping and refreshed the home’s interior, injecting their personality with unique touches. “I had in my mind that I wanted a ‘modern 1970s’ vibe,” says Genny. “There are some vintage pieces and nostalgic references, but we tried to do it in a very contemporary way.”
The interiors, originally designed by Brooke Marsh, gave Genny and Chris a great starting point for the four-bedroom house. They styled it for themselves, but with a mind to offering it as guest accommodation when they’re not in residence. They aimed for an ambience of casual luxury, with an air of peace and relaxation right from the front door. “We wanted to create this lush subtropical experience in a design-driven way,” says Genny. “The layout of the house is perfect for multigenerational living and groups of friends staying together.”
The open-plan kitchen/living room at the rear is the hub of the house. Its lovely vaulted ceiling amplifies the generous proportions of the space.
The palette – white, black, timber and accents of soft green – is consistent throughout, delivering a carefree beachy vibe that is also sophisticated and elegant. “It’s all about natural fabrics, jute rugs, leather, timber and allowing the view and the experience to tell the story,” says Genny. “I didn’t want it to be too surfthemed, but I love those little touchpoints that let you know you’re near the beach.”
The flow and ease of the house works seamlessly in all seasons. It’s flooded with warm sunlight in the winter months and captures the cooling sea breezes during summer. “Depending on what the weather is like, you can close down the house and still have this intimate but generous space to live in,” says Genny.
Most of the furniture and homewares are sourced from local outlets. “It’s importanttousto supportlocalbusinesses and to tread lightly with our carbon footprint,” says Genny. Local artisans, too, have been embraced – the Pottery for the Planet pieces in the kitchen happen to be made by their neighbours.
Glass panels surrounding the open-plan kitchen/dining area retract in two directions so that the back wall totally disappears, allowing the living space to spill onto a generous deck. Outside, the ocean-embracing pool is a focal point, beautifully complemented by Chris and Genny’s landscaping. A new outdoor shower and fire pit complete the picture.
“There’s a lovely connection between the entertaining areas and the pool,” says Genny. “You can have a swim, shower then relax in an egg chair. The best part? Seeing and hearing the ocean without being drenched in spray.”
Blackburne Jackson, Maroochydore, Queensland; (07) 5443 3200 or blackburnejackson.com.au. For accommodation enquiries, go to heliahouse.com.au.