Daydream Alert: 7 Stunning Beach Houses to Swoon Over

Need an excuse to save up for your own beach-side haven? Soak up some inspiration from Australia and beyond

Jaclyn McRae 7 August 2014

Houzz Contributor based in Melbourne, Australia. Addicted to beautiful design. Lifestyle writer and editor by day, cocktail consumer by night. I'm a writer, subeditor and communications consultant. My husband and I have a house on the Victorian coast, but live and work in Melbourne.

Houzz Contributor based in Melbourne, Australia. Addicted to beautiful design. Lifestyle... More

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Beach shacks simply aren’t what they used to be. These days, prime coastal real estate comes with all the comforts. These standout beach homes offer basement cellars, wraparound views and even a swimming pool that doubles as a skylight. Wade in and see the latest in luxury beach living.

Diane Bergeron Interiors

Symmetry and style. Turning heads in the Victorian coastal town of Balnarring, this weatherboard beauty showcases glamour inside and out. Charcoal weatherboards create a stylish first impression, with a dramatic peaked roof drawing in the eye.

Diane Bergeron Interiors

Neutral tones complement the home’s relaxed interior feel. Textured couches, printed blinds and splashes of beachy blue are perfectly framed by fresh white wooden ceiling panels and beams. Clever shelving that’s set into the wall emphasises the clean feel.

Take a closer look inside

hughesumbanhowar architects

Swimming in the sky. Designed to be both modern and timeless, this beachfront stunner nestled in the sand in Florida uses aluminium and glass to stunning effect.

hughesumbanhowar architects

A floating staircase and wooden louvred windows cast beautiful shadows – but eyes quickly turn skyward upon entering the stunning dining zone. A rooftop pool serves the dual purpose of a skylight, creating a daring and mesmerising focal point.

See the rest of the property here

Sanctum Design

Magnificent in Manly. A contemporary take on the traditional beach house, this Sydney home makes the most of its outdoor space with an enviable entertaining area and an inviting plunge pool.

Sanctum Design

The dining zone, opening up to the pool deck, catches the eye with turquoise artwork and ‘60s-style moulded plastic chairs. Splashes of colour – a striped rug and a vivid blue light fitting – add interest.

Dive right in

Beach Style Exterior Beach Style Exterior

Toes in the sand. There’s no need for a sandpit when your front steps descend onto a wonderland of powdery white sand. Perched on Malibu’s Pacific Coast Highway, huge expanses of glass have been paired with recycled wooden accents, resulting in a home that sits harmoniously in its environment.

Beach Style Living Room Beach Style Living Room

Inside, it’s all smooth lines and luxurious furnishings. Plump white couches face the ocean, while the wooden notes carry inside via earth-toned accessories.

Take a wander through

Christopher Design

Wraparound pool. Surrounded by water on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, this resort-style home has it all. A stunning pool snakes around the exterior, offering a range of swimming options – all with stunning vantage points.

Christopher Design

Inside, the curved lines continue. Perched on a podium, the bed captures expansive water views, helped by the generous use of glass.

Step inside

Webb & Brown-Neaves

Hamptons meets Australia. Large and imposing, this Perth home showcases upside-down living – ensuring the upstairs zone captures the best views. Huge balconies surround the home, offering a choice of sunny nooks for coffee breaks throughout the day.

Webb & Brown-Neaves

Inside, it’s a study in rich textures – from the stone-clad fireplace to the intricate pendant light. A cane dining setting emphasises the beachy theme.

Take a tour

hamilton+mcCabe design associates

The ultimate makeover. For a stunning transformation, look no further than this glamorous Sydney home. Once a drab and dilapidated green weatherboard house, it has been overhauled to become the envy of the Northern Beaches.

hamilton+mcCabe design associates

The renovation, which saw the designer open up the house to swallow up the sweeping views, is finished with understated white furniture, set off with slick black accents.

See more of this dramatic makeover

TELL US
What does your dream coastal retreat look like? Is it grand and luxurious or comfortable and quirky. Let us know in the comments below.