A magical Noosa home where simplicity and style come together to create the perfect coastal escape for this family of expats
Little Cove, Noosa is about as coastal idyllic as it gets and when Australian expats, Debbie and Wes first saw the original 1980s beach house they knew, given the location, they could make it the coastal escape home of their dreams. The couple wanted to create their dream beach house as a place for them and their young family to enjoy when back home in Australia, with it being rented out as a holiday home when they were abroad. “We both felt we wanted an anchor for our kids to build a stronger connection with Australia and somewhere they could call home – that’s why we designed so many features of the property with our three young children and our extended family in mind.” When COVID-19 travel restrictions hit, Debbie and Wes made the decision to open the house as a full-time holiday accommodation for families and groups of friends to enjoy together.
The original beach house was a nod to Balinese style architecture with water ponds in the front yard, and separate pavilions for the bedrooms. “There was a disconnect between the different spaces in the property and use of materials throughout the property. The separation of spaces and previous colour palette gave an appearance of a smaller space. There were a number of ad hoc extensions and the rooflines did not maximise the site’s orientation in terms of light, making the internal areas feel dark and cold. So, we wanted to redesign it, with a coastal luxe, laidback feel.”
An essential aspect for Debbie and Wes was to open up the house and take full advantage of the lush Noosa National Park which features as the backdrop to their property. With three young children, the family wanted a space that suited their needs – to be able to watch the kids run around in the garden, splash in the pool while they entertained in the kitchen or living spaces. “We wanted to create a home that could grow and adapt with us as a family, giving us plenty of space for friends and family to visit, yet having separate areas for people to enjoy some quiet time on their own. When we come home to Little Cove, it is our sanctuary, our place of escape from the day-to-day life of being in a large cosmopolitan city, and we wanted the spaces to reflect this.”
The interiors and living spaces were designed to completely open up, using large sliding doors, custom vertical battens, wooden casement shutters and bi-folds, to draw in the mesmerising surrounds of the Noosa National Park and allow air to flow through the house.
The flow of the main living area to the deck, with views out to the home’s lush backdrop, a view that can be seen from the moment you step through the front door, is the perfect spot to experience Noosa’s consistent temperate climate. “We’ve made the outdoors a space for all-year round with its hanging chair, electric heaters and fireplace for winter and dining table large enough for 12 guests.”
When designing and building the home, Debbie and Wes collaborated with local building designer Georgina Price and interior designer and stylist, Bindy Ward, who helped Wes and Debbie create their ideal getaway. Together, they set about creating what is now Noa by the Beach, a family sanctuary and holiday home with year-round appeal. Debbie and Wes used local stores such Hello Trader, Raw Sunshine Coast and The Dharma Door to furnish their home. When asked what their favourite piece is, Debbie mentions their hanging chair from Yak and Yeti, a favourite place to unwind.
The family enjoying visiting local food spots such a Costa Noosa, Vanilla Food and Locale but their favourite thing to do is explore the Noosa National Park, only a few metres from their home. Couple that with the stunning Noosa coastline it sounds like the perfect coastal escape for this family when looking to escape the city.
Bookings can be made via www.noabythebeach.com.au
WORDS: Katie Skinner IMAGES: The Palm Co.
Want more? Click here for The Grandmillennial: Inside Laura Solensky’s Home
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