23 Rayner Road, Whale Beach, NSW 2107

Once a fixture up and down the coast, the Australian beach house is rapidly becoming an endangered species.

Over the past decade many of these utilitarian dwellings, originally designed to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, have been knocked down with more striking architectural statements taking their place. As part of this transition, traditional materials like timber and sandstone have given way to concrete, marble and glass.

Under these circumstances the timber-framed, north-facing beach House at Rayner Rd Whale Beach is a rare find. Just a 60-minute drive north from the Sydney CBD, with its northerly aspect and 180 degree ocean views it functions as the perfect weekender.

Built for the renowned journalist Margaret Vaile in the 1950s, it has been cleverly renovated by architect Michael Hesse to modernise the living spaces and maximise its magnificent site while maintaining the classic beach vibe.

The current owners have cherished the house for over 30 years. "It has been the perfect weekender for the family, and as the family has grown, so has the house," Trish says. "Our brief to Michael was simply to connect the outdoor spaces with the in doors and maintain the laid-back beach house character we had loved at first sight.

Hesse answered the brief with many simple yet clever innovations. Today every light filled room boasts views stretching from the Barrenjoey lighthouse to the Central Coast, bi-fold doors access the wrap round timber verandas and the laidback beach house style remains intact.

Also many features from the 1950s remain unchanged. The three stone terraces and much of the low maintenance plantings (including the original azaleas that burst into vibrant bloom each Spring) provide great spaces for entertaining. "The terraces all have their special functions," Trish explains. "The eastern side with its access to the kitchen is perfect for long summer lunches, while the wood-fired oven on the western terrace has been a godsend for children's pizza parties especially during the Christmas holidays."

"We loved every minute of living here," Julian says. "It's been the family destination for birthdays, Christmas celebrations and even weddings. But my favourite time is winter, when the beach is deserted and thanks to the aspect we have almost summer warmth during the day and a roaring fire at night."

- Ocean views from every room
- Spectacular master bedroom on its own level
- Every room opens onto a deck/balcony
- 3 dining rooms; 1 inside and 2 outside
- 3 bathrooms
- Double lock up garage and a further off-street parking space
- 3 access points; front steps, side pathway, back steps
- Serene ocean-inspired colour palette
- Established Mediterranean-style garden
- Stroll to Whale Beach and Whale Beach Rockpool

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MODERN HOUSE ESTATE AGENTS 1300 814 768
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The Classic Beach House presented by Modern House: the specialist estate agency for architect-designed residences.
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