100 Steps to the Beach
10 guests, 5 bedrooms, 5 beds, 2.5 baths
Just outside the Surf Coast township of Anglesea, 90 minutes south-west of Melbourne, this breezy character-filled beach house ticks the boxes for position and style, thanks to the curatorial eye of Airbnb Host Virginia Morris.
“It’s tucked away just off the Great Ocean Road in a quiet little pocket of bushland and, even at the height of summer, I often find I have this stretch of beach all to myself,” says Virginia.
“The house definitely reflects my style and it feels like a real home with personality, which makes it conducive to people creating their own memories. And you can drift off to sleep at night while listening to the sound of the ocean. That’s pretty special.”
The stay “The house has three separate living areas so there’s loads of space to stretch out and it works really well for a family. Plus, the house is pet-friendly and the backyard is fully secure. I wanted to create different areas for different moods – and for chasing the sun! There’s the spa and plunge pool, a lawn area with wicker pod chairs, a decked area with more chairs and room to spread out a towel, plus a dining table for a lazy lunch.”
The Host “I spent my childhood summer holidays in Anglesea and when this house came on the market 10 years ago, I fell obsessively in love. My approach to hosting is to remember that people are busy and want to relax. Perhaps they don’t even want to interact, which is absolutely fine, though I make sure I go above and beyond.”
Out and about “The Surf Coast Walk goes in either direction from the beach or you can head into Great Otway National Park for other stunning tracks. Follow the Otway Harvest Trail for a great range of farmgate stalls, cellar doors and farmers’ markets. A La Grecque is a Greek taverna at Aireys Inlet that’s won every award going. Fish by Moonlite, on Anglesea’s main shopping strip, serves the best fish and chips in Victoria – cooked by an award-winning chef.”
Just for you “The pantry is stocked with all the essentials, olive oil, Vegemite, tomato sauce – the kind of things you don’t want to buy when you arrive. I always leave premium chocolates, as well as doggie treats for any canine guests.”