BEACHSIDE beauty

This rural family will be set to retire in style in their coastal forever home, which evolved from a dilapidated cottage into a beachside haven

- CARROL BAKER

A comfortable beachside cottage that offers relaxed liveability by the sea is the latest architectural triumph presented to Grand Designs Australia. with retirement looming on the not-too-distant horizon, these empty nesters wanted to eventually relocate from their sprawling farm outside Geraldton to their beachside abode that was in dire need of renovation.

Having lived on rambling acreage, a strong indoor-outdoor connection was important to the clients. Aesthetically, they were looking for an organic space that had earthy elements, concrete, and timber coupled with matt black tones. In the renovated cottage, native silver top ash cladding, native blackbutt timber veneer, concrete off-form walls and ceilings, and polished floors feature.

Kyle Stacey, director of architecture firm Stack Design, says there was a high level of trust established between them and the owners. "The clients provided Stack with a great deal of freedom and trust to create a form that reflected a contemporary Australian aesthetic, yet was still respectful of the existing streetscape," he says.

Being able to readily access a spacious courtyard was one of the most crucial elements. The clients also wanted a home in which living spaces and the master bedroom and ensuite were on the ground floor. Upstairs there are two guest bedrooms, a kitchenette and a bathroom, affording ample space and privacy for family and friends to stay. A ground-floor study can also be converted into an additional bedroom when required. Upstairs, a roof terrace offers another space to connect with the outdoors in a relaxed setting.