Sirocco: A Tuscan Escape in Terrigal
Sometimes all you need to ‘get away from it all’ is a change of scenery and the scenery doesn’t get much better than at Sirocco.
Perched on top of a cliff overlooking the sea between Terrigal and Avoca, the picturesque holiday villa offers uninterrupted views from every vantage point.
In fact, the view is so stunning that the property has its own ‘lookouts’ – one overlooking the Skillion and the other to Avoca beach and Cape Three Points beyond.
Sirocco viewing platform
Cape Three Points from Sirocco
Anyone who has driven from the Haven along the Scenic Highway has probably seen the Sirocco sign at the bottom of the steep driveway.
But it’s only the guests who book the home on Airbnb who can truly understand how beautiful and special this place is.
While it’s only a five minute walk into Terrigal, Sirocco is so expertly nestled into nature that you feel a million miles away.
You might even feel like you’re in Tuscany, or the South of France. There’s something European about the grand 1970s villa with its aged rendering, terracotta tiles, burst of bougainvillea, giant urns and the fragrant wisteria draped artfully around the kitchen deck.
Then the lorikeets screech, the kookaburras cackle, and on closer inspection, those are bottlebrush and grevillea growing all around the garden and along the cliff edge, like a native Australian fence.
Sirocco at Terrigal
Sirocco
There’s a sense of excitement upon arriving at a place like this.
Walking around the property, which is set on a triple block that’s not quite an acre, everything promises endless relaxation and indulgence.
There’s the Italian daybed soaking up the afternoon sun, the swing overlooking the sea, a fire pit, and a hammock stretched between a couple of trees.
Hammock at Sirocco
Fire pit at Sirocco
The water below looks exquisite – a patchwork of jade, sapphire and turquoise.
It’s so clear you can see right to the bottom and owner Monique Jacobson says that you can easily see fish flitting about on a full moon.
Sirocco is also a great place to whale watch during the humpback migration seasons. A pair of binoculars has been provided for any marine viewing opportunities.
The sea from Sirocco
Chair with a view at Sirocco
While all four bedrooms open up onto a balcony complete with deck chairs and stunning northerly views, the master bedroom is next level, offering jaw-dropping vistas from every window.
Its old fashioned dressing room puts the walk-in into walk-in wardrobe. You could swing more than one cat in there.
Sirocco master bedroom
Sirocco master bedroom
In its nearly 50 years, Sirocco has only had two owners including Monique’s family and, aside from a kitchen reno, retains its original charm.
Her mother’s antique dresser fills a corner, the stairs to the four bedrooms on the second storey are carpeted in a shade of blue that would only have been in vogue in the 70s, and the colourful tiles in the kitchen and bathroom evoke a bygone era. There are even bidets in the bathrooms.
All the original elements live in harmony with mod cons – there’s the choice of vinyl or a Bose bluetooth speaker, retro cane furniture or a luxe daybed, a fire or a heater, Netflix or good company.
Cheese plate by the fire at Sirocco
Sirocco day bed
At night, Terrigal twinkles like a distant fairy land and the only sounds are the crackling of the fire and the waves crashing into the bottom of the cliff.
In the morning, sun streams into the kitchen warming the heart of the house and inviting guests to wake up with some fair trade coffee before retiring to one of the many lounges or chairs to relax.
Needless to say, sunrises and sunsets at Sirocco are absolutely spectacular.
Sirocco view
Sirocco swing
This time it’s a girls’ weekend, a chance to spend some quality time with a dear friend because it’s always too long between drinks.
Sirocco provides the perfect backdrop for afternoon apperitifs and chit chats.
It would be equally appealing as the location for an intimate wedding, an anniversary, a special occasion, a family reunion (keeping in mind its clifftop location isn’t suitable for little children or boozy parties) or a staycation.
The home can sleep nine.
Sirocco at Terrigal
Bubbles on the deck at Sirocco
From the bubbles and coconut water in the fridge to the fair trade chocolate she has left as a treat, Monique is a classy host with an eco conscience.
She invites you to use anything she’s left in the pantry whether it’s dipping into the jar of quinoa or enjoying a nourishing dandelion coffee, and guests are encouraged to pick some herbs from the garden to spruce up a homemade meal.
Because Monique is a watergilder and art dealer by trade, Sirocco basically doubles as a gallery. Keep an eye out for her handmade frames, antique engravings dating back to 1760 and Cressida Campbell originals.
Outdoor setting at Sirocco
Sirocco al fresco
There are some great hotels and B&Bs on the Coast but for those times when you want something a little more exclusive, a little more bespoke and a little more private, it’s hard to beat a holiday home.
With places like Sirocco available to rent, you can snag your very own million dollar mansion by the sea and live like a king, even if it’s just for a weekend or a week.
Book your Sirocco escape here
To make the most of your stay at Sirocco, here’s a Coastal Chic checklist:
- Get cosy by the fire with a nice glass of wine (firewood is chopped and ready to go)
- Soak up some rays in the daybed
- Embrace your inner child and enjoy a swing overlooking the sea
- Take a moment to enjoy the vista from both viewing decks
- Play some vinyl and dance like no one is watching
- Have an al fresco breakfast surrounded by fragrant wisteria
- Enjoy an aperitif and some antipasti on the terrace overlooking the Skillion
