The Coast’s best beach houses – where A-Listers are holidaying this summer

The Central Coast is shaping up to be this year’s ‘it’ summer destination, with border closures forcing jetsetters to holiday at home instead of the traditional Christmas break in Bali or Aspen.

Waters Edge at Forresters living

Conveniently located only an hour’s drive north of Sydney, the Central Coast is preparing for its busiest summer on record and while most accommodation has been booked out for months, Belle Escapes – the holiday arm of Belle Property – has been busy transitioning newly purchased prestige property into holiday homes ahead of the peak season.

“A cash splash on the Coast in recent weeks has seen an unprecedented number of prestige property bought and flipped into holiday homes, releasing a wave of new and exclusive accommodation options just in time for the summer holidays,” Central Coast Belle Property Principal Cathy Baker said.

Paradise on Painters, Terrigal_terrace

“This COVID trend which has seen homes become the new hotels has paved the way for a new type of homegrown hospitality. Our VIP guests who like to have the red carpet rolled out can experience the same bells and whistles they would if staying at the Four Seasons or St Regis such as arriving in style by seaplane, helicopter or boat, and a concierge service which can secure a table at the hottest restaurant, tee up a private yoga class or in-room massage, and organise a chauffeured ride, private chef or personal trainer.”

With a portfolio of the most expensive and exclusive homes on the Coast, Belle Escapes Central Coast has the kind of ultra-luxe waterfront homes that are luring A-Listers, like model Elyse Knowles, to the Coast in droves to spend their summer social distancing in style.

Priced from $525/night, here are the Coast’s top ten holiday homes:

1.    Waters Edge

Waters Edge at Forresters

Model Elyse Knowles was the first guest at this new holiday home after driving from her home in Byron to Forresters Beach for a babymoon with partner Josh Barker. 

Designed by prominent architect Darren Tye to take in the stunning ocean views from every vantage point, this newly built home has floor to ceiling glass and sweeping 180 degrees views across one of the Coast’s most incredible vistas.

It’s home to four bedrooms (three with ocean views), a chic modern kitchen overlooking a spacious and airy lounge, a dining area that opens to a large deck with a barbecue, a grassy yard with a private path onto the beach, an outdoor shower, gas fireplace and understated coastal styling, which received the tick of approval from celebrity renovators Elyse and Josh.

From $2000 p/n (minimum stay/restrictions apply)

2.    Fridays at Wagstaffe

Fridays at Wagstaffe

Kick back and relax in this airy coastal cottage with its spacious, open and light-filled interiors and Brisbane Water views.

Wagstaffe is the place to go for those after some peace, quiet and serenity by the water.

Close to hub towns Killcare and Hardy’s Bay, there is so much to do in the local area like bushwalking in the Bouddi National Park, kayaking or fishing in the local waterways, surfing at the beach or dining at some great local restaurants.

From $550 p/n (minimum stay/restrictions apply) 

3.    Avoca Beach penthouse

Avoca Beach Penthouse

A spacious apartment running across two entire floors and delivering cinematic views of Avoca Beach, this luxury penthouse, which has been styled by Coco Republic, is the ultimate beach retreat. 

With a massive entertaining terrace, sleek Caesarstone kitchen, bedrooms with Juliet balconies and just 100m from the sand and surf, this residence sets a new benchmark for relaxed, beachside luxury that captures the essence of the holiday lifestyle.

From $900 p/n (minimum stay/restrictions apply)

4.    Blue Water

Blue Water living

This ultra-contemporary residence, designed and engineered by award-winning architect Matt Thitchener, enjoys spectacular views stretching across Forresters Beach all the way to Terrigal.

With three glass-wrapped levels for living and entertaining, the home is finished with an array of premium-quality inclusions throughout including an integrated sound system, underfloor heating and decks on each level.

From $2500 p/n (minimum stay/restrictions apply) 

5.    Casa Blanca

Casa Blanca

With enough space for families or large groups, this classic Hamptons-style home has been designed to capture beautiful ocean breezes. 

Set in a calm leafy patch of Forresters Beach, the location could not be better with views that look out towards an endless stretch of sparkling coastline.

The open-plan kitchen connects seamlessly with a breezy living and dining space that flows out via French doors to a covered deck with a barbecue. 

From $1100 p/n – (minimum stay/restrictions apply) 

6.    Manly View Retreat

Manly View Retreat

Be one of the first to enjoy this incredible beach house that is privately positioned at the top of Killcare Heights, with a sensational ocean outlook to Palm Beach.

With four bedrooms, two separate living areas, two bathrooms and a resort-style pool, it’s perfect for families or large groups wanting to enjoy time together this summer. 

From $650 p/n – (minimum stay/restrictions apply) 

7.    Killcare Beach House

Killcare Beach House

With no less than three separate alfresco entertaining areas and a pool overlooking the sea, this three-level glass encased home is an effortless entertainer for eight guests, including a recent visit from fitspo juggernaut Steve Cook and his girlfriend.

This masterfully built Killcare residence commands stunning north-easterly ocean and headland views from virtually every room, including all five bedrooms and even the bath. There are plenty of plush sofas and day beds to languish in during blissful moments of holiday downtime. 

From $2000 – (minimum stay/restrictions apply) 

8.    Paradise on Painters 

Paradise on Painters, Terrigal

Set in the heart of Terrigal within walking distance to the beach, this versatile holiday house offers plenty of space and privacy, with three fully self-contained levels and four ensuites.

Highlights include open plan living spaces flowing to sun soaked entertaining decks, kitchens with stone benchtops, custom cabinetry and premium appliances plus a sumptuous master suite with a two-way fireplace and soaking tub.

From $525 p/n– (minimum stay/restrictions apply) 

9.    Driftwood

Driftwood

Located in one of the best streets in Killcare, just a short 400m walk to the beach, this three-bedroom home offers the perfect summer escape. 

It’s built around a great entertaining deck with panoramic views of the ocean and features a contemporary kitchen with fresh white plantation shutters and raked ceiling to complete the relaxed beachside atmosphere.

From $550 p/n – (minimum stay/restrictions apply) 

10.  Salhia Beachhouse

Salhia Beachhouse

Set against a spectacular ocean backdrop with stunning views from the kitchen and lounge, this is the sort of stylish beach house that might be found near the surf at Byron Bay. 

Fresh coastal design, natural materials, enormous wraparound decks, an al fresco bar, outdoor showers and a cabana all add to the barefoot-at-the-beach vibe of this Macmasters Beach home. 

With room for eight, including a separate lower level, it’s ideal for families or groups seeking a beach escape this summer. 

From $550 p/n– (minimum stay/restrictions apply)

For more information or to book visit www.belleescapes.com.au/central-coast

Christine

A nouveau Coastie, Christine is the stripe-toting, donut-scoffing, beach-loving, ristretto-drinking creator of Coastal Chic.