Nest at Blue Bay
Light, stylish and tucked away toward the northern end of the Central Coast is the little beauty Nest, at Blue Bay. A quick stroll from its namesake beach, this luxury couple’s retreat is a hidden gem that effortlessly blends coastal chic with city sophistication, thanks to the artistic flare of co-owner Kerry Knight. It’s the small details here that really make this one-bedder special: the herringbone bathroom tiles, the vibrant garden wall alongside the bathtub, the vintage utensils in the kitchenette, the gas fireplace, a tucked-away luggage compartment, and recycled Oregon timber features. But what’s really the selling point?
‘In summer it will be the location and the bath…’ says Kerry. ‘It’s a two-minute walk and you’re having a coffee; five minutes, you’re on the beach.’
Nest welcomed its first guests in August but is already proving popular, so it’s best to book far ahead. You’ll pay around $530 for a minimum two-night stay.
Admire it… @nestatbluebay
Book it… via nestatbluebay.com.au, airbnb.com.au
Anchor in Avoca Beach
Perfectly positioned on The Round Drive, close enough to walk to the beach but far enough away from the hubbub, Anchor in Avoca Beach is a fresh take on a seaside property suitable for families and groups. When renovating and styling Anchor, co-owner Melissa Lever wanted to create a home away from home. ‘We just want you to be able to kick your shoes off, and it’s floorboards so you can walk in with sand and it’s just a very relaxed style,’ says Melissa.
What we love about this place is that it’s coastal styling with a very modern Australia twist that really captures the relaxed summer appeal of the Central Coast. Think pastel pinks and greens, blonde timber, plenty of plants, light artwork and delicate tiling. The house features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, chillout zones and an outdoor firepit, with a few farmhouse touches thrown in. There’s a seven-night minimum stay, so expect to spend about $4,245 in summer.
Admire it… @anchorinavocabeach
Book it… via anchorinavocabeach.com.au and airbnb.com.au
The Boathouse Patonga Cottage
The newest offering from The Boathouse Group is The Patonga Cottage, next door to The Patonga Hotel. The hotel’s classic coastal styling has been carried over to the four-bedroom abode, with tropical furnishings and a white, navy and grey palette. Although it sounds quaint, the cottage sleeps up to 10 guests and features open-plan living and dining areas, plus a retro plunge pool.
‘We have always loved the cottage for its charm and history,’ says The Boathouse Group marketing director Rhiannon Swan. ‘Patonga is such a gorgeous seaside town, and we feel very lucky to be able to give the cottage a new life.’ The styling is simple, fresh and comfortable, with beautiful pieces such as coral and marble bowls, a swinging chair, colourful rug, and a landscaped garden. Spend three nights here (minimum stay) for $4,500.
Admire it… @theboathousehotelpatonga
Book it… via theboathousehotelpatonga.com.au
Booker Seaside
Fit for the famous and fancy free, Booker Seaside is ultimate luxury right on the water at Booker Bay. This penthouse apartment is all smooth lines and sleek design, styled by Coco Republic. The fully equipped kitchen is large, the lounge is open plan, the balcony spacious with views of moored yachts, and the three bedrooms are contemporary and comfortable. It sleeps up to six, and there are two bathrooms and a car space, while finer details include a private sand beach, cathedral ceilings and an Eco fire in the living area.
Having opened in 2020, it’s likely you’ll beat your friends to staying here and can boast about your visit at your next dinner party. A minimum two-night stay will set you back a pretty penny: about $2,540.
Admire it… @bookerseaside
Book it… via belleescapes.com.au and airbnb.com.au.
WORDS JENNIFER ENNION
