5 Tips on Building your Coastal Holiday Home

The Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula are home to many of Victoria’s favourite beach holiday destinations including Torquay, Jan Juc, Anglesea, Fairhaven, Barwon Heads, and Ocean Grove; just to name a few!

If you are planning on building a holiday home on the coast, whether it’s for personal use, investment or both, consider the following in your design & build:

1.  Practicality, Functionality & Lifestyle

Consider your tenant clientele or personal lifestyle.  Families, couples, large groups – all have specific needs.  As a general rule, keep furnishings and gardens low maintenance, protect any potential hazards particularly from children and the elderly.  Consider the locality and orientation of your holiday home by taking advantage of views and northerly aspects – passive design is imperative.

A holiday home in walking distance of the beach may benefit from an outdoor shower or wet room after a day of surfing and swimming.  An adult’s retreat can be enjoyed by couples or parents escaping the chaos of kids.  A kitchen bench that doubles as a bar/servery to an alfresco via a bi-folding window is a functional and engaging way to entertain.  Maximise the liveability of your holiday home with practical and functional aspects.

2.  Maximise Bedding

Holidays are often shared with family and friends.  If possible, design a holiday home that can sleep two or more families.  This provides the opportunity for tenants to share accommodation costs and/or providing you a place to share with loved ones.  The master bedroom should always include a king size bed, further bedrooms with queen and/or bunk beds.  Sofa beds are also a practical way to maximise on bedding.

3.  Include Creature Comforts

When on holidays, we want to relax and indulge.  Yes your budget will determine how luxurious you can go and dependent on whether you are building for yourself or to rent.  Some basic luxuries include air-conditioning, dishwasher and modern appliances.  Add greater appeal with a spa/pool, alfresco and/or balconies and decking.  Also consider the seasons.  Your coastal holiday home can still be enjoyed in colder months by a fireplace, stunning view, cosy reading nook or deep freestanding bath tub – oh the serenity.

4.  Style it Right

Creating a restful space for your holiday home is key.  Integrating the natural environment of your surrounds inside and out with natural materials, textures, tones and natural light will create a harmonious feel.  Maintain a clutter free interior, yet a home away from home; some personals like magazines and books can be displayed.

When choosing a colour palette keep is fresh, neutral and simple.  Pops of colour can be incorporated with soft furnishings and artwork – all easily updated as trends and taste change.  Comfy furniture is a must and don’t forget your outdoors.  Sun lounges, daybeds and hammocks are a great way to spend lazy days invoking the holiday spirit.  Native Indigenous gardens will blend with the natural landscape and encourage bird life to your property adding to the overall ambiance.

5.  Your Builder

Choose a custom builder who knows the location well, specialises in sloping difficult sites (if applicable to your property) and uses quality durable products that withstand the harshness of coastal elements.  The last thing you want is having a high maintenance holiday home that always needs attending to, so choose wisely.

Whether you are beachfront or situated high on a hill with ocean views, design, build and style a coastal holiday home that will be a rewarding investment and retreat to enjoy and share.