Media Release: Whale of a View
27 November 2023
from sand, sea & sketches to paradise
Announced today, K’gari Views Beachhouse, located opposite world heritage listed K’gari (formerly Fraser) Island is opening its doors to Australian travellers looking for a unique architecturally designed holiday stay you can now book via Travellarks. K’gari means paradise and here’s why.
K’gari Views Beachhouse started like this. In August 2021, sitting on a towel in the sand with an empty block of land behind them, owner Nick’s preferred sketching pen was busily roughing out a dream. Alongside was Jane absorbing the Fraser coastline, on the lookout for whales, freely adding ideas. Gazing over sparkling waters it was easy inspiration to draw on – to jot it down, fresh.
Ocean frontage vacant land is a rarity nowadays almost anywhere. Jane and Nick were ready to repurpose a dilapidated find, but they’re rare too. “We stumbled upon an empty, undulating block at Point Vernon, Hervey Bay along the Esplanade during a walk. It held a plum position, slightly elevated with coastal and K’gari Island views” said Jane. ‘’It was the bountiful Poinciana tree firmly rooted happily towards the rear of the property, that did it for me. It faced the Pacific Ocean and framed the block so beautifully; I could envisage the house in front of it”. Keeping the Poinciana tree was non-negotiable.
When describing the property, they said, “take an Australian modern bush barn crossed with a Queenslander and a touch of Scandinavian simplicity for function and balance. We wanted these clean lines, along with the sensitivities of the ‘beachy’ neighbourhood.”
The property is incredibly sustainable, capturing sea breezes that paved the way to create cross ventilation and flow for cooling down in summer. However, “short, cold winters in Hervey Bay get down to 9-10C” they said. So, on the western underneath side of the house is a burnished slab providing a thermal mass that warms the house by the low winter sun, adding “it was more economical than laying timber foundations”.
Maximising features, light and space, the floor plan has an entrance through a wide corridor down a hallway with the Poinciana tree and garden waiting patiently at the other end. The floor to ceiling window glazed gallery hall then joins the living spaces to the bedroom wings, either side. All bedrooms have floor-to-ceiling windows soaking in those views. Looking in the distance to the ocean views from the living room, you might spot the pectoral fins of gracious humpbacks as they rise through the ocean during whale season.
Guests will love the verandahs and wide eaves surrounding the property for shading in the summer months yet allowing light in during short winters. Installing solar has already paid off, back to the grid, in credit. The exterior is clad in Australian Black Butt, for its durability and warmth, and barestone concrete look panels.
Inside it feels luxurious with high ceilings, and clean white ‘VJ’’ panelling, a nod to the Queenslander and coastal aesthetic. You’ll find exposed white beams paired with a minimalist design, furnishings in muted neutral tones and clever use of contrasting textures and tones.
K’gari Views Beachhouse accommodates 8 guests in
- 3 bedrooms, master has a private workspace.
- 2 bathrooms
- High-tech kitchen and dining area
- Spacious living room
- Additional second living / rumpus room
- Outdoor BBQ and firepit.
It’s a short walk to local shops or the Urangan pier with a fishing rod. Or take off to the prestigious eco-friendly K’gari Island. Seek out over 1,200 species of marine life at Lady Elliot Island with its unspoilt coral reef. Go snorkelling, diving, or have a picnic. Hire a boat to explore islands and beaches along the Great Sandy Strait. Wind or kite surf or SUP board. The Fraser Coast has a treasure trove of beaches for swimmers of all abilities.
The clever design and thoughtful concept of K’gari Views Beachhouse isn’t lost on their European guests either. Nor would we suggest do others who stop and stare – not just at the whales but at K’gari Views Beachhouse too.
Architect: Designed by MLD Studio a Melbourne and Sunshine Coast based architectural practice.
Built by : Vivere Homes, Hervey Bay based builder
Media Release Whale of a View
Media CONTACT: Kris Hume
M: +61 409 064 039
TRAVELLARKS: Travellarks are all about Stays with a WOW, an Australian-based regional short term (holiday) accommodation specialist. In its fourth year of operation, the company grew from numerous natural disasters and the belief in supporting regional micro economies. Contact us today. For more extraordinary stories about holiday properties, places and people who are passionate about their regional communities. Read more on our website www.travelarks.com.au.
