Set on a dramatically sloping site with views across Port Phillip Bay, this custom residence was designed as a sophisticated, low-maintenance retreat for clients transitioning from Melbourne and seeking a home that felt both grounded and elevated. Previously a holiday destination, the property needed to become a full-time sanctuary, one that honoured the established landscape, maximised the site’s natural topography, and delivered comfortable day-to-day living for two, with the flexibility to welcome guests. The brief called for a home that felt intimate yet generous, contemporary yet deeply connected to its coastal environment.

The architectural response embraces the site’s steep fall, nestling the home into the contours of the land and weaving built form seamlessly among mature trees. A palette of weathered, pre-aged timber cladding, brick, stone, and robust natural materials ensures durability while harmonising with the surrounding landscape. Thoughtful detailing, including recessed pelmets, tinted glazing, and a substantial eave over the first-floor alfresco area, carefully mitigates afternoon sun, offering year-round comfort. Inside, a refined coastal aesthetic unfolds through the use of natural stone, layered textures, and understated green accents that echo the site’s lush setting.

Designed for longevity and ease, the home balances luxurious finishes with minimal maintenance, perfect for its downsizing owners. The first-floor kitchen, bar, and butler’s pantry flow effortlessly into generous living and dining spaces that spill onto an undercover deck overlooking the bay, while the master suite offers a serene retreat. A pool, arbour, and guest accommodation further elevate the home’s capacity for entertaining without compromising its day-to-day liveability. Thoughtfully curated and effortlessly elegant, the residence is a timeless coastal haven, and stands proudly as a 2025 HIA Eastern Victoria Finalist for Custom Built Home $2–5 million.

Recognised with a 2025 HIA Eastern Victorian Highly Commended award for Custom Built Home $2 million – $5 million.