9 Holiday Homes Built for Summer by the Sea
Spending summer in a holiday house by the sea is surely everybody's idea of bliss. These international getaways promise that and more
Some of the best summer holiday spots are by the sea, so it’s not surprising that the dream for many is to build a permanent getaway along the coast. Some lucky Houzzers have fulfilled their dream by buying or constructing permanent holiday or summer homes that feature ocean vistas. From designer abodes atop hilltops overlooking the Pacific Ocean in New Zealand and Japan, to rustic stone cottages along the coast of Greece and Turkey, to staggeringly luxurious homes on the Italian Mediterranean or the French Riviera, the holiday homes below are a vacationer’s dream come true. Which one is your holiday dream house?
“The main purpose behind the project was to provide more opportunities for the family of four and their extended family to be together,” says architect Charissa Snijders. “The owners also wanted to create a home that sat quietly and sympathetically with the land. And for it to respond to its wildness, particularly the wind!”
Not surprisingly, the architect’s design is low-lying, nestling into the hill and following the natural contours of the slope. There is also a ‘material’ sense of the house ‘belonging’ to the landscape. It is built from local stone and features concrete floors and timbers sourced close to home, such as Lawson Cypress for the exposed structural elements, Tasmanian Oak for interior doors, skirtings and handrails, and hoop pine ply for the walls.
Not surprisingly, the architect’s design is low-lying, nestling into the hill and following the natural contours of the slope. There is also a ‘material’ sense of the house ‘belonging’ to the landscape. It is built from local stone and features concrete floors and timbers sourced close to home, such as Lawson Cypress for the exposed structural elements, Tasmanian Oak for interior doors, skirtings and handrails, and hoop pine ply for the walls.
The main bedroom has a window seat and picture window that looks into the farm and gully below. “It’s quite a different feel to the view to the sea,” Snijders says.
Thoughtful warm spaces, coloured glass features, humble white-washed pine walls, and a concrete floor that echoes the sandy beaches of Waiheke, are all additional architectural characteristics that the homeowners love.
See more photos of this holiday home
Thoughtful warm spaces, coloured glass features, humble white-washed pine walls, and a concrete floor that echoes the sandy beaches of Waiheke, are all additional architectural characteristics that the homeowners love.
See more photos of this holiday home
2. Wave-breaking beach house in California
Location: Malibu, California
Size: 2,900 square metres
Architect: Mark Dziewulski Architect
This weekend getaway house is literally cantilevered over the surf, which passes beneath it at high tide. According to the architect: “The design appears almost machine-like – as though the floors were lifted and hoisted over the waves.”
Location: Malibu, California
Size: 2,900 square metres
Architect: Mark Dziewulski Architect
This weekend getaway house is literally cantilevered over the surf, which passes beneath it at high tide. According to the architect: “The design appears almost machine-like – as though the floors were lifted and hoisted over the waves.”
Built on the secure footings of an older home, the design of the modern house takes its inspiration from its location: the beach and waves. It is sited in an exceptional spot as it’s positioned at the end of a long, open stretch of beach and has views on three sides.
Creating an indoor/outdoor relationship was very important to the client, so Dziewulski ensured the main spaces opened up towards the surf with a wall of glass and extensive decks. “The compact plan was carefully designed to provide views from all the main rooms, with large open spaces and maximum flexibility for entertaining,” he reports.
See more of this project
See more of this project
3. Beachcomber’s holiday chalet in south-west England
Location: Whitsand Bay, Cornwall, UK
Who holidays here: A British family
Architect: McCaren Architecture
Principal Robin McCaren of McCaren Architecture demolished an existing holiday chalet on the Cornwall coast and replaced it with a new timber-framed, cedar-clad chalet, designed to take full advantage of the stunning panoramic view from Rame Head in the east to the Lizard Point in the west.
Location: Whitsand Bay, Cornwall, UK
Who holidays here: A British family
Architect: McCaren Architecture
Principal Robin McCaren of McCaren Architecture demolished an existing holiday chalet on the Cornwall coast and replaced it with a new timber-framed, cedar-clad chalet, designed to take full advantage of the stunning panoramic view from Rame Head in the east to the Lizard Point in the west.
According to McCaren, the location of the chalet meant that careful consideration had to be given to the method of construction and the design of the glazing and external finishes – it had to withstand the forces of nature and weather. This resulted in a timber frame which was designed to be partly pre-fabricated off-site, and assembled by bolting together a number of plywood panels.
The external finishes were selected to blend in with the local environment and to provide the chalet’s owners with relatively low levels of maintenance.
See more photos of this holiday chalet
See more photos of this holiday chalet
4. Italian villa with vistas of Mount Vesuvius
Location: Villa Ercolano, near Naples, Italy
Who holidays here: An Italian family
Architect: Fabrizia Frezza Architecture & Interiors
Villa Ercolano is a summer home in Naples that was originally built in the early 1970s but has been more recently updated by architect Fabrizia Frezza. It mixes classic Mediterranean style with a fresh and modern interior and features smooth whitewashed walls, a brilliant turquoise pool, and a dazzling view of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Location: Villa Ercolano, near Naples, Italy
Who holidays here: An Italian family
Architect: Fabrizia Frezza Architecture & Interiors
Villa Ercolano is a summer home in Naples that was originally built in the early 1970s but has been more recently updated by architect Fabrizia Frezza. It mixes classic Mediterranean style with a fresh and modern interior and features smooth whitewashed walls, a brilliant turquoise pool, and a dazzling view of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Frezza positioned the pool so that the top of Mount Vesuvius would be visible from the pool steps. She also kept the design in line with the region’s style by maintaining the home’s original coastal and Mediterranean characteristics.
To emphasise the look and culture of the surrounding town, the architect chose materials, furniture and accessories from local artisans and material resources, as well as many custom pieces of her own design. “I like to use local materials to create a project that keeps the location alive,” Frezza says. “I want to link the past and the present.”
See more photos of this Italian villa
See more photos of this Italian villa
5. Surfside luxury in Sydney
Location: Palm Beach, Sydney, Australia
Who holidays here: A businessman who uses the house as a weekender. It’s also a high-end rental property
Size: The 320-square-metre house (4 bedrooms over 2 storeys) and garage sits on a 960-square-metre site
Architect: Justin Long Design
Interior designer: Pike Withers
The owner of this spectacular holiday house wanted it to feel like a resort where he could unwind from the stresses of the week and relax with family and friends. Designers were called in to rework the home inside and out, to bring in light and to make the most of stunning Pacific Ocean views.
Location: Palm Beach, Sydney, Australia
Who holidays here: A businessman who uses the house as a weekender. It’s also a high-end rental property
Size: The 320-square-metre house (4 bedrooms over 2 storeys) and garage sits on a 960-square-metre site
Architect: Justin Long Design
Interior designer: Pike Withers
The owner of this spectacular holiday house wanted it to feel like a resort where he could unwind from the stresses of the week and relax with family and friends. Designers were called in to rework the home inside and out, to bring in light and to make the most of stunning Pacific Ocean views.
Built on a hilltop overlooking Sydney’s iconic Palm Beach, the views are to die for. “The owner wanted a laid-back feel that was intrinsically calming,” says designer Amanda Pike. “A particular request was to be able to ‘sit on the view’.”
Pike says that this required an extensive rethink of the home’s layout. The kitchen and living areas were completely redesigned to create larger spaces that flowed seamlessly into one another; balconies were extended, and Pike says the automated sliding roof installed over the living room now allows the house to “literally open up”.
Pike says that this required an extensive rethink of the home’s layout. The kitchen and living areas were completely redesigned to create larger spaces that flowed seamlessly into one another; balconies were extended, and Pike says the automated sliding roof installed over the living room now allows the house to “literally open up”.
Grasscloth wallpaper and sliding doors that open onto the ocean view give this bedroom an island feel.
See more photos of this home
See more photos of this home
6. Stone sanctuary on a Greek island
Location: Kythera Island, Greece
Who holidays here: A German-based couple returning to Greece for holidays
Designer/owner: Alexander Dewhirst
This house project on the southern Greek island of Kythera was designed in 2010 and built in six months during 2011-2012. There is a small outdoor eating area on the west side of the house which is directly accessed from the kitchen. It is covered by a pergola with grape vines, as seen here.
Location: Kythera Island, Greece
Who holidays here: A German-based couple returning to Greece for holidays
Designer/owner: Alexander Dewhirst
This house project on the southern Greek island of Kythera was designed in 2010 and built in six months during 2011-2012. There is a small outdoor eating area on the west side of the house which is directly accessed from the kitchen. It is covered by a pergola with grape vines, as seen here.
Using local almond stone, the house was modelled on a church form with an apse on the north side, and buttresses protecting the ocean-facing east balcony.
The designer, Alexander Dewhirst, who is also the homeowner, conceived and designed the exterior and interior of this holiday residence, but says the interior is still being developed.
The designer, Alexander Dewhirst, who is also the homeowner, conceived and designed the exterior and interior of this holiday residence, but says the interior is still being developed.
The verandah looking out to the Mediterranean sea and the Peloponnese of the mainland.
See more of this project
See more of this project
7. Minimalist masterpiece in Japan
Location: Futtsu, Chiba, Japan
Who holidays here: A couple
Size: 116.4 square metres; situated on 1,869.8 square metres of land
Architect: Takeshi Hirobe
This hilltop holiday home is in the Uchibo area of Chiba Prefecture. “The site was just perfect for a weekend retreat,” says architect Takeshi Hirobe. “Situated on a hill 200 metres above the coast, one can see Tokyo Bay, where ships come and go.”
One request of the owners was that Hirobe “create an architectural form that we have never seen before, while using unusual materials.” In response, the architect designed a unique structure composed of many triangles set along the sloping site.
Location: Futtsu, Chiba, Japan
Who holidays here: A couple
Size: 116.4 square metres; situated on 1,869.8 square metres of land
Architect: Takeshi Hirobe
This hilltop holiday home is in the Uchibo area of Chiba Prefecture. “The site was just perfect for a weekend retreat,” says architect Takeshi Hirobe. “Situated on a hill 200 metres above the coast, one can see Tokyo Bay, where ships come and go.”
One request of the owners was that Hirobe “create an architectural form that we have never seen before, while using unusual materials.” In response, the architect designed a unique structure composed of many triangles set along the sloping site.
Hirobe was able to save on the interior by cladding it in modest basswood plywood, but it doesn’t look shabby thanks to the meticulous design and finish. Just a one-hour drive from the owners’ home in central Tokyo, it’s a place in which they can unwind or entertain friends.
The owners specifically wanted to take full advantage of the panorama of sky and sea, so a huge glass wall spans the front of the villa. It showcases the view, complete with an enviable backdrop of Mount Fuji in the distance.
See more photos of this project
See more photos of this project
8. Palm-fringed sea views on the French Riviera
Location: Var region in Provence, France
Who holidays here: This is the summer home for a Parisian couple and their two children
Size: 350 square metres
Architect: Frédérique Pyra Legon Architecte
This three-level house on a sloping site to the sea was designed by French architect Frédérique Pyra, who realised the contemporary house in neutral colours using natural materials. “I imagined a three-story half-buried house, stretching out as a linear progression toward the sea,” says Pyra.
Visitors progress from the parking area through a palm grove to the patio via a large pivoting front door. The door opens in both directions and is very sleek – it doesn’t have a door knob or handle. Glass bricks flanking the door maximise natural light while preserving the privacy of the home.
Location: Var region in Provence, France
Who holidays here: This is the summer home for a Parisian couple and their two children
Size: 350 square metres
Architect: Frédérique Pyra Legon Architecte
This three-level house on a sloping site to the sea was designed by French architect Frédérique Pyra, who realised the contemporary house in neutral colours using natural materials. “I imagined a three-story half-buried house, stretching out as a linear progression toward the sea,” says Pyra.
Visitors progress from the parking area through a palm grove to the patio via a large pivoting front door. The door opens in both directions and is very sleek – it doesn’t have a door knob or handle. Glass bricks flanking the door maximise natural light while preserving the privacy of the home.
The architect was given carte blanche to design this sumptuous summer home on a narrow plot. It ends with an idyllic swimming pool before dropping to the sea. “The swimming pool is at the end of the architectural composition,” says Pyra. The pool indeed seems to flow right into the ocean, although you can access the beach from here, thanks to a small door near the end of the pool.
Due to the narrow shape of the plot the architect added interior patios and large windows to bring daylight into the building. Here the master bedroom opens up on to a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
“The master bedroom and balcony are on the top floor, while the communal rooms, such as the living room and kitchen, are on the ground floor,” explains Pyra. “The entrance is on the first floor, along with the children’s bedrooms, the guest room and the study.” The family can easily dine outside thanks to a variety of tables and chairs on the generous terraces.
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“The master bedroom and balcony are on the top floor, while the communal rooms, such as the living room and kitchen, are on the ground floor,” explains Pyra. “The entrance is on the first floor, along with the children’s bedrooms, the guest room and the study.” The family can easily dine outside thanks to a variety of tables and chairs on the generous terraces.
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9. Converted olive mill overlooking the sea in Turkey
Location: Datça peninsula, Turkey
Who holidays here: Dutch-based family of Jeroen Slokker, his Turkish wife Ebru Eryigit, and their three children
The family who own this villa, Villa Olivio, live in Holland but visit Turkey frequently to visit family, do business (Slokker and Eryigit import Moldovan carpets, Turkish kilims and berber rugs) and to holiday in their rustic but sensitively restored villa located on the breathtakingly beautiful Datça peninsula. Originally an old olive mill, the house was converted to a luxury holiday villa with private swimming pool. Between visits to Turkey, the couple rent it out to guests.
Location: Datça peninsula, Turkey
Who holidays here: Dutch-based family of Jeroen Slokker, his Turkish wife Ebru Eryigit, and their three children
The family who own this villa, Villa Olivio, live in Holland but visit Turkey frequently to visit family, do business (Slokker and Eryigit import Moldovan carpets, Turkish kilims and berber rugs) and to holiday in their rustic but sensitively restored villa located on the breathtakingly beautiful Datça peninsula. Originally an old olive mill, the house was converted to a luxury holiday villa with private swimming pool. Between visits to Turkey, the couple rent it out to guests.
With fabulous views over the Aegean Sea, the hundred-year-old olive oil factory is located on a quiet road, only two kilometres from the beach and is surrounded by olives trees. The couple transformed it into a villa, retaining all original features, including the olive oil press. “It took us three years to restore the place,” says Slokker. “We decided to rent the place when it is not used by us. We hope that our guests enjoy Villa Olivio just as much as we do!!”
The property has a garden of 800 square metres. Old olive trees are grow there, and these are full of delicious olives to be picked each October. Also from the garden, there are excellent view of the Greek Island Tilos.
And if it gets too hot looking out to sea on a sultry summer’s day, there is always the option of taking a dip in the property’s generously-sized pool.
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TELL US
Do you have a holiday home by the sea to escape to in summer? Upload a high-resolution photograph and tell us about it in the comments section.
MORE
World of Design: 10 Great Escapes Built for R&R
8 Ways to Bring Your Holidays Home With You
Indulge in a Holiday Ambience at Home and Live Happily Ever After
See more photos of this holiday house
TELL US
Do you have a holiday home by the sea to escape to in summer? Upload a high-resolution photograph and tell us about it in the comments section.
MORE
World of Design: 10 Great Escapes Built for R&R
8 Ways to Bring Your Holidays Home With You
Indulge in a Holiday Ambience at Home and Live Happily Ever After
Location: Waiheke Island, New Zealand
Who holidays here: A couple and their two daughters
Size: This holiday home is made up of three buildings: the main house (190 square metres), a garage (50 square metres), and a studio (32 square metres)
Architect: Charissa Snijders Architect
Surrounded by grassy paddocks and with a vista of the Pacific Ocean, this hilltop abode is imbued with the sense of ‘getting away from it all’. It feels remote but the house is, in fact, built on an island just 20 kilometres from Auckland. The owners employed architect Charissa Snijders to come up with a beautiful plan for family living. She devised three interconnecting pavilions, which include three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a utility room, kitchen/dining/living area, a small internal courtyard and a sunroom. Additionally, the outside has many courtyards and places to sit and rest.