& HOLIDAY LIVING Home Style

The most beautiful holiday homes

These incredible holiday homes will make visitors feel like a local, and locals feel like holidaymakers.

NEST AT BLUE BAY, Blue Bay

Idyllically located within walking distance of both Blue Bay and Toowoon Bay, this light and airy guesthouse was newly built as a luxurious couples’ retreat. Designed with high ceilings, a neutral colour palette, and an eclectic blend of vintage and modern pieces, Nest at Blue Bay strikes a balance between cosy and chic.

Owner Kerry Knight collected unique art and curiosities, including antique bird cages and sculptures, to give the guesthouse character.

‘Many guests say they spend time looking at all the pieces, just like an art gallery,’ Kerry says.

Nest at Blue Bay sleeps two guests in a king bed, with an ensuite, kitchenette and living room with a fireplace for winter. The ensuite has luxurious underfloor-heating and guests can sink into the oversized terrazzo bathtub, where adjacent bi-fold windows open to a tranquil hanging garden.

Kerry understands it’s the little details that matter most: welcome drinks are chilling in the fridge upon check-in, complimentary bikes are available to explore the area, and a picnic basket and rug are provided to spend evenings watching the sun set over nearby Long Jetty.

nestatbluebay.com.au

Featuring: Crazy Pave Natural Stone

By: Grace Picot

THE BARN, LOST RANCHES, Yarramalong

The romantically named Lost Ranches is a 20ha property that was once owned by saw-milling pioneers and is now home to The Barn and The Cottage, which you can book separately or together (sleeping five and seven respectively).

Described by owners Ricki-Jane and Adam Wilton as ‘cigar lounge meets hunting lodge’, The Barn is an American-style prairie barn that could easily slot into the Wild West if it weren’t for the Australian landscape. This open-plan barn/property has two fireplaces and is decked out in eclectic furniture such as leather Chesterfields, saloon bar stools, wrought-iron beds and a claw-foot bath, which has been filled with cushions and placed in front of the TV for kids to snuggle in. Guests can throw open the two roller doors for bush views and step out onto the courtyard where there’s a firepit for toasting marshmallows under a blanket of stars. Musos can create their own soundtrack with the acoustic guitar or ukulele, and families will love the board and garden games, foosball table and telescope for stargazing.

lostranches.com.au

THE COLLECTORS STUDIO, Bateau Bay

This original 1950’s seaside cottage has been lovingly restored as a retreat for couples and solo travellers by local creative Merrin Grace, who is also the face behind Honeysett House (honeysetthouse.com), a collection of sundries for makers and creators. The charming cottage is a treasure trove of art, furniture and curios, and exudes warmth, nostalgia and luxurious touches. ‘We want guests to feel relaxed and at home but also inspired,’ Merrin says.

Nailing the homely feel, a curated playlist for each guest fills the cottage on arrival, a welcome G&T and a bottle of wine are waiting, and the pantry is stocked with staples to make their stay as seamless as possible.

Located in Bateau Bay, The Collectors Studio is a year-round getaway. Summer days are spent at Blue Lagoon Beach, a short walk away; there’s an outdoor shower to rinse sandy feet, and sundrenched tropical gardens and a deck to relax on. When the cool weather sets in, nearby Wyrrabalong National Park is home to coastal walking tracks, while the old wood burner fireplace keeps the cottage toasty. Evenings can be spent soaking in the cast-iron clawfoot bath. Bliss.

instagram.com/the.collectors.studio

THE GROWERS COTTAGE, Lower Mangrove

This historic farmer’s cottage makes for a sublime country getaway for couples or solo travellers. The adults-only retreat is set on 10ha of land dotted with citrus and apple trees and a vegetable garden.

The painstaking renovation of the cottage was completed by owner Pascale Beard, with her architect daughter Indi Jones. The aim was to create a place where guests leave ‘feeling totally renewed and rejuvenated’. The interior reflects its surroundings, using a neutral palette, greens and burnt orange, and they added an internal pot-belly stove, an outdoor pizza oven, and a stone bath nestled in the garden for alfresco soaks.

Guests are treated to a bottle of wine and basket of veggies upon check-in, massages can be arranged in the garden, and there’s a tandem bike available for adventures in the paddocks.

instagram.com/thegrowerscottage

THE PALM HOUSE, Terrigal

Surrounded by a white-picket fence and lush gardens, this delightful cottage is a short drive from Terrigal, close enough for easy beach jaunts and coffee runs but secluded enough to be a calming sanctuary.

Owners Anja and Alberto recently renovated the property, which sleeps five in two bedrooms and boasts original sash windows, wooden floors and French doors. The terrace is complete with rattan furniture, a barbecue, sun lounge, yoga mats for morning stretches, and a hammock that beckons you to take an afternoon nap. Inside, the fireplace keeps things cosy in the winter months.

While Terrigal is known for its incredible dining scene, The Palm House has a fully equipped kitchen and an on-site veggie garden, with tomatoes and herbs available for guests to use when they decide to stay in for the night.

instagram.com/thepalmhouse_au

BETTYS, North Avoca

Just steps from one of the Coast’s best surf beaches, this newly listed boutique stay is for ocean lovers seeking a reset.

Named after its original owner whose husband hand-built it in the ’70s, the renovated two-bedroom cottage has been given a mid-century aesthetic by host Elly Holthuis, complete with original wall panelling and retro furniture. The kitchen features a fullsized Smeg fridge, which is stocked with fresh Sonoma bread, milk and eggs. There are Australian-made Leif products in the bathroom, a Mediterranean-inspired courtyard with 30-year-old olive trees, and an outdoor shower and firepit.

Guests can start their day in the on-site infrared sauna, followed by a refreshing ocean swim or a paddle on Avoca Lake just down the road, then while away the afternoon at the cocktail-making station and playing records on the vintage radiogram. instagram.com/bettysnorthavoca

ALGARVE, Killcare Heights

This stunning holiday home captures the essence of executive living. Algarve is a contemporary retreat with sublime views across to Palm Beach and even to Sydney's North Head. The property accommodates eight and offers the ultimate getaway for both friends and family. It sits harmoniously with nature and has quality modern inclusions with an open floor plan, well-appointed entertainers' kitchen that flows onto an expansive terrace and pool area.

centralcoastholidayescapes.com.au

For other excellent holiday homes around the Central Coast, check out Central Coast Holiday Escapes (centralcoastholidayescapes. com.au), which manages properties on the idyllic Bouddi Peninsula from luxury beachfront homes to quaint cottages nestled in nature. If self-contained accommodation is ideal but you prefer to be within a resort setting, Terrigal Pacific Coastal Retreat (terrigalpacific.net.au) offers one- and two-bedroom apartments within walking distance of the town centre and beach.

CALL 02 4385 1555

EMAIL admin@terrigalpacific.net.au