From a charming limestone cottage to one of the country's most iconic homes, ninemsn travel writer Kim Wildman finds 10 of Victoria's finest beach houses to suit all tastes and budgets.
Abalone Beach House
Where: Cape Bridgewater, Great Ocean Road
Tucked away on Victoria's south coast, Abalone Beach House is a waterfront retreat with great family appeal. The three-level home-away-from-home is located right on the beautiful white sandy beach of Bridgewater Bay, so you can easily watch the children play while drinking in the breathtaking ocean views from the deck. With several national parks, the Great Ocean Road and spectacular sections of the Great South West Walk all within a stone's throw, there's plenty to keep the whole family engaged.
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Abalone Beach House
Apollo's View
Where: Skenes Creek, Great Ocean Road
Modern and airy, Apollo's View beach house at Skenes Creek is an upmarket coastal retreat perfect for couples. This two-bedroom double-storey house offers extensive indoor/outdoor entertaining and living areas with amazing views that stretch up the coast to Apollo Bay. Understated luxury at its best, the architect-designed house features a six-jet spa bath and cosy wood-fire heater.
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Apollo's View
Barefoot Beach House
Where: South Golden Beach, Phillip Island
This stylish beach pad with an arty atmosphere is located five minutes from a private surf beach on Phillip Island. Surrounded by native shrubs, the Barefoot Beach House is noted for its architecture — it was created to capture and utilise sunlight. Its sun-drenched decks enclose three spacious bedrooms and an open plan lounge, dining and kitchen area with fabulous wall-to-wall windows. Breakfast hampers, champagne and chocolates can be supplied on request.
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Barefoot Beach House
Binyara Coastal Retreat
Where: Bear Gully Road, Walkerville South
If it's peace and solitude you're after, look no further than Binyara Coastal Retreat. Sheltered by natural bushland between Walkerville South and Bear Gully, the only neighbours you'll have to worry about will be the wildlife, with the 64-hectare property a sanctuary for possums, kangaroos, koalas and wombats. Boasting spectacular views of Waratah Bay, Bass Strait and Wilsons Promontory, the spacious five-bedroom house is ideal as a getaway for large families or groups of friends.
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Binyara Coastal Retreat
Rotten Point House
Where: Johanna Beach, Great Ocean Road
Perched high on a cliff overlooking famous Johanna Beach, Rotten Point House is an architect-designed masterpiece which seamlessly blends in with the surrounding landscape. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, the four-bedroom house boasts fabulous views over the Southern Ocean to Moonlight Head from every room. There's a full kitchen for cooking up a gourmet feast, but if you'd rather have someone else cater to your culinary needs, you can arrange your own private chef.
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Blue Water Beach House
Where: Sorrento, Mornington Peninsula
Overlooking Port Phillip Bay, Blue Water Beach House at Mt Martha is where coastal beauty meets contemporary Australian design. Nestled in the secluded enclave of Sorrento just a few minutes drive from the stunning golden sand of South Beach, it is perfect for a relaxing family holiday. The four-bedroom, two-level house features three spacious living areas and a large deck overlooking a solar-heated swimming pool.
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Moonlight Head Private Lodge
Where: Moonlight Head, Great Ocean Road
Moonlight Head Private Lodge is one of Australia's finest luxury accommodations. It was described as one of the world's most decadent places to stay by Elite Traveler and was listed in Britain's Tatler magazine as one of the 101 best hotels. Step inside and you'll understand why. Inspired by its unique setting in a semi-wilderness, the lodge combines the best aspects of responsible eco-design with the style and comfort of modern European furnishings.
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The Grange
Where: Portsea, Mornington Peninsula
A stay at The Grange in Portsea will have you dreaming of a bygone era. Just an hour's drive from Melbourne, this magnificent original Victorian limestone cottage encapsulates 1880s Portsea beach lifestyle. While the five-bedroom house doesn't want for old-world appeal, modern amenities are close at hand, with the kitchen fully equipped with European appliances, a courtyard and barbecue and a gas-heated swimming pool with pool lounges.
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The Pole House
Where: Fairhaven, Great Ocean Road
Suspended 40m above Fairhaven Beach, the Pole House is one of Australia's most iconic homes. The vision of architect and engineer Frank Dixon, the pedestal house, completed in 1978, juts out from the cliff side, giving it a spectacular right-on-ocean feel. An ode to all things '70s, classic touches include Berber carpeted walls and orange bubble reading lamps. Featuring a bedroom area, bathroom, kitchen and sitting area with a walkway connecting to solid ground, it's a perfect retreat for couples.
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The Round House
Where: The Boulevard, Sandy Point
One of Sandy Point's newest and most striking houses, the Round House offers style and luxury just a few minutes' stroll from the beach. The interior of this three-bedroom house is bathed in natural light, with soaring curved ceilings, polished Jarrah timber floors and artwork windows, giving it a spacious contemporary feel. The living area opens up to an outdoor entertaining deck complete with gas barbecue. Able to accommodate up to 10 people, it's a great weekend retreat for family and friends.
Find out more: The Round House
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