Future proof

Crafting a beach house that could eventually become a permanent residence meant walking a fine line between relaxed and sophisticated.

- JUDY PASCOE

This home could so easily be perched somewhere on the Mediterranean coastline. Its open, sun-kissed spaces, artisanal finishes and insouciant charm are truly transporting, yet it is tailor-made for its location on Sydney's Northern Beaches.

With the azure blue Pacific Ocean sparkling below, the four-level house had a lot in its favour when the owners first saw it, but the interior did not match expectations. As they had just finalised the renovation of their primary home, they engaged the builder, David Cuss of Integrity Build, to remodel their beach house. A contact then introduced interior designer Samantha Eisen of Samantha Eisen Interiors to the project.

The plan was to strip out all the interior fittings and finishes, including floorboards, and start with a clean slate. From rejigging the layout to accommodate new spaces, such as a guest bedroom, gym and sauna, to designing bathrooms, the kitchen, joinery and outdoor areas, the work was extensive and the scope exciting.