In A World Of Its Own

It's like something out of grand designs.We go inside the dreamy Headland house.

As a child holidaying on the South Coast, Jeffrey Simpson was captivated by the magic of the area.

“From the all-encompassing storms after a hot summer’s day, to stargazing into the clear night’s sky, morning swims with the odd dolphin, wallabies grazing in the paddock and the innate beauty of the landscape, the South Coast has it all in abundance,” he says.

The desire for his children to discover that magic and form their own fond memories is what drew Jeffrey and his partner Beau Neilson to build one of the South Coast's most luxurious beach houses, on a sprawling 150-acre property overlooking Werri Beach in the seaside village of Gerroa, located around 10 minutes from Berry.

Dovecote—as the property is known— gives reference to the couple’s main residence in Sydney’s Chippendale, a 1914-converted warehouse aptly named the Pigeon Shed.

At the centrepiece of Dovecote is Headland House, a four bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom main home with soaring views of the ocean and surrounding hinterlands.

Perched on top of a large hill and sandwiched between the coastal cliffs of Werri Beach and the calm waters of Geering Bay, the new home, designed by architect Atelier Andy Carson and built by Canberra-based Bellevarde Constructions, provides a sanctuary from its harsh surrounds.

Green pastures and paddocks running dairy cows line the property on one side, while rugged coastal cliffs and ocean line the other.

Andy says his design was inspired by the spectacular landscape, while the 180-degree views and breathtaking backdrop called for a respectful celebration of the location.

“Instead of providing the same view throughout the house with wall-to-wall glass, the design creates considered framed glimpses of what lies outside,” Andy says.

“Meanwhile, a storm-viewing room pays tribute to the drama of extreme weather fronts creeping up from the ocean.”

The primary goal, says Andy, was to create a protected courtyard house that three extruded pavilions wrap around, forming an open ‘U’ shape to the north.

“This provides refuge from the bitter southern winds and storm fronts, while large retractable sliding doors allow fine-tuning dependent on weather conditions.”

The courtyard—complete with fire pit, pool and garden—offers controlled views through the pavilions toward large swathes of ocean, while an adjacent wet-edge pool overlooking Seven Mile Beach and outdoor rain shower provide added luxury.

The home’s fully-appointed kitchen, large communal dining table and generous sitting area are all designed for guests to relax and take in the views out over the infinite ocean, where dolphins can often be spotted swimming.

A collaborative effort between Jeffrey and interior designer Katie Jane Durham led to Headland House’s clean, minimalist interiors and a complementary palette of plums, pinks and neutrals.

“We wanted pieces that compelled you to sit and soak in the breathtaking landscape at every opportunity,” Katie says.

“Even though you’re indoors you really feel like you could be sitting at a dining table floating in the middle of the Tasman Sea.

“We added balance, warmth and texture to offset the strong lines of the design, and we selected timeless and unobtrusive pieces that nurture and celebrate the outlooks.

“Spectacular Indigenous and abstract art work, collected over the years by the home owners, quickly filled the room with life, atmosphere and cultural energy.”

The property is currently available to be hired by holidaymakers, with Jeffrey hoping they will create their own magical South Coast memories.

“Headland House will be a legacy hopefully for generations to come.”

dovecote.com.au/headland