East Lane Retreat

Specifically designed as a holiday rental property, the brief required that the house be able to accommodate a variety of guest configurations, whether that be two families, a number of couples or singles or a combination of both. This requirement and a site where spectacular views along the coast bordered the Bournda National Park to the south, drove the decision to locate the Living Areas at the southern end of the site, with the Bedrooms situated at the northern end. By separating the house into two main zones, connected by a glazed 'breezeway', the opportunity arose to create a large courtyard between the two zones that was protected from the predominant southerly winds and enabled the south facing Living Rooms to gain access to northern sun. The inclusion of a plunge pool between Bedroom 4 and the Dining Room and the positioning of Ensuites between each bedroom, ensured privacy and separation for guests, as well as the opportunity for a range of activities to occur simultaneously, without impacting on those guests who wished to engage in alternative pursuits. 

A simple and restrained palette of materials, such as timber weatherboard cladding expressed in a range of ways, along with oversized Spotted Gum (the predominant local timber species) doors and windows and a polished concrete floor, endowed the retreat with a sense of relaxed luxury and echoes of beachside holiday accommodation of the past.

East Lane Retreat may be booked for holiday accommodation through Stayz. 

Site Location: Tathra | NSW

Project Team: Campbell Baird | Janice Baird

Builder: Julian Barlow

Engineer: Matthew O'Hearn

Photographer: Justine Forrest