Giaan Rooney remembers family holidays with great fondness. They would rent a beach house, pile into the car and head off for a couple of weeks of endless fun. Giaan's dream was to buy a fancy beach house when she became rich, and that's a work in progress.
Self-made advertising guru and entrepreneur, John Singleton, did pretty much the same thing, but he has made the money to fulfil his dreams of owning a fancy beach house. Not one to do things by halves, he owns three! Beach, Bush and Bells.
John's childhood holidays were spent on the in the beautiful area, just over an hour north of Sydney. The beautiful south-facing beach on the Bouddi Peninsula looks to the northern beaches of Sydney. It's home to the seaside villages of Killcare, Hardy's Bay, Pretty Beach and Wagstaffe.
Pretty beach house
Pretty Beach House is an all-inclusive five-star guest house. The luxury retreat has three secluded pavilions — Bayview, Hideaway and Treetops — each has a king bedroom, separate dressing room, fireplace and deluxe bathroom. A deck has a day bed and private plunge pool.
The Main House has atrium dining where guests are treated to an all-day menu from renowned Sydney chef, Stefano Manfredi. There's a lounge area, cocktail bar, wine cellar and deck with infinity pool.
Pretty Beach Launch was built for serious fishing or just heading to a hidden beach or cove. The CABO 38 Express sports cruiser offers air-conditioned luxury as you follow kingfish and salmon, or do battle with landing a marlin or tuna. Take along one of Stefano's hampers for the perfect outing.
Guests at Pretty Beach House are welcome to use the facilities of its sister property, Bells at Killcare.
Bells at Killcare
For a fraction of the cost, there are some excellent options at this equally stylish near-by property. It's rather like a European country hotel in an Australian coastal setting.
The boutique hotel offers king suites, king spa suites, Bells Villas and a two-storey cottage.
All rooms have fire places, kitchenette and barbecue on the deck.
There's also a restaurant and day spa. The spa features LI'TYA, an indigenous-Australian inspired range. It contains native plants and botanical extracts. Facials, pedicures, manicures, mud wraps and stone massage are all on offer.
Bushwalking is a highlight and trails lead to the seven beaches and through local villages.
Bells Beach House
Managed by the Bells at Killcare team, this is said to be one of the most beautiful beach homes on Australia's east coast.
The four-bedroom house was architecturally designed to take full advantage of the beachfront location.
The upper level's master suite has study, dressing room, bathroom and deck overlooking a waterfall and landscaped bushland.
The lower level has two double bedrooms, one with ensuite. There is children's room with four bunks and another bathroom with a tub.
Most rooms enjoy sweeping views of the ocean. Interiors were designed to capture the essence of the quintessential Australian beachside holiday home.
Location
The New South Wales Central Coast, an hour north of Sydney.
Cost
Pretty Beach House starts at $1700 a night, per pavilion. Meals, snacks and a selection of drinks are included.
Bells at Killcare king spa suites start at $350 a night. Breakfast is included.
Bells Beach House starts at $1000 a night. It sleeps up to 13.
Virgin Australia has one-way flights to Sydney from:
- Brisbane and Melbourne $95
- Adelaide $119
- Perth $198
The fares are available for a limited time only so log on to www.vaustralia.com.au for further details.
Prices correct at November 26, 2011.
For further information
Virgin Australia
Ph: 13 6789
www.vaustralia.com.au
Pretty Beach House
83 High View Road
Pretty Beach 2257
Ph: 02 4360 2988
www.prettybeachhouse.com
Bells at Killcare
107 The Scenic Road
Killcare 2257
Ph: 02 4360 2411
www.bellsatkillcare.com.au
