Life's a BEACH

WITH HINTS OF THE ISLANDS AND TROPICAL HAMPTONS, THIS LAID-BACK HOUSE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA SHEDS ITS SHOES AND EMBRACES COASTAL LIVING

- CHRIS PEARSON

FAMILY TIME James Hardie Scyon ‘Linea’ 180mm-wide weatherboard cladding was painted Dulux Casper White Quarter to evoke an “island feel”, according to homeowner Kristie (pictured, with husband Andrew, children Archer and Halli, and dog Soda). The ‘Shell Limestone’ cladding by Limestone Australia also features inside around the fireplace. Archer’s cart is from The Beach People and the ‘Deco’ chair is from Empire.

Beachy vibes permeate this home in Secret Harbour, located 60 kilometres south of Perth. And, as it’s just 50 metres from golden sands, owners Kristie and Andrew can smell the ocean air drifting through the open plan.

After living in the WA hinterland for eight years, they wanted a sea change in 2018 and have never looked back. “This empty lot ticked all the right boxes,” says real estate agent Kristie. “It was slightly elevated, which would give us views of the beach with a north-facing backyard. That would provide a wind-free zone in the afternoons by the pool but allow the Freo doctor [a cool southwester that blows in during the afternoons] to cool the house.”

Kristie designed her new home, hiring draughtsperson Adam Butcher of Darklight Design to draw up plans and help make her vision a reality. “It was all about us building a dream home for our family,” she says.

The couple knew what would suit them and their children, Halli, four, and Archer, two. “We were after a beach-shack feel, bright and relaxed, so we could feel we were always on holiday – together with open-plan living so we could see through the whole house to the pool and keep an eye on the children,” says Kristie.