Home Tour: Barefoot Luxury in Beautiful Noosa

Who lives here

Holiday home to a family of five

Location

Little Cove in Noosa, Sunshine Coast

Decor style

Australian coastal luxury

Favourite space

The outdoor area is designed to take advantage of Noosa's all-year temperate climate. We often spend time in Noosa during winter (our children attend a northern hemisphere school). The girls love the cooler weather, sitting on the balcony early in the morning listening to the sounds of the birds calling.

Favourite pieces

The hanging chair from Yak and Yeti - the perfect spot to take some time out from the kids and family!

A place where lustful beaches of glistening waters and lush bushland abounds, Noosa, on Queensland's Sunshine Coast is the idyllic backdrop to a boutique family getaway that has been thoughtfully designed – blending Noosa's dreamy coastal lifestyle with a sophisticated, yet relaxed barefoot luxury.

Perfectly poised between Little Cove Beach and Noosa National Park, owners Debbie and Wes Johnston wanted to create a family holiday home that's reminiscent of their childhood growing up on the beach. Now, based in Singapore, they also wanted an anchor to Australia for their three young children. 

"Little Cove is our sanctuary, our place of escape from the day-to-day life of being in a large cosmopolitan city, and we wanted the spaces to reflect this," explains Debbie. "We wanted to create a home that can grow and adapt with us as a family, giving plenty of space for friends and family to visit, yet having separate areas for people to enjoy some quiet time on their own."  

The contemporary redesign of the 1980s beach house was a collaboration between local building designer Georgina Price and interior designer and stylist, Bindy Ward. Together, they set about creating what is now Noa by the Beach, a family sanctuary and holiday home with year-round appeal. 

Backing onto Noosa National Park, the creative team reworked the beach house to reflect the lush, tropical surrounds. From the moment you step through the front door, you're met with a tree-lined view. The spacious open plan living and dining area that flows effortlessly out onto an expansive deck sets the scene of the home's laid-back luxury.

"While the property was first and foremost designed with our family and extended family in mind, we knew that it would be a holiday home for other guests to use for most of the year. So, many features of the property and interiors were designed with this in mind," says Debbie. "We wanted a subdued and understated colour palette that would bring a sense of calm from the moment you step through the front door, and to immediately draw your attention to the Noosa National Park."  

Large windows, glass sliding doors, custom vertical battens and skylights allow natural light to filter into the home. Bringing warmth to the sun-bleached colour palette that features shades of driftwood taupe, deep apricot, misty grey and shell pink, punctuated by black. 

The earthy and textural material of concrete, original bridge beams from Tasmanian wharves and recycled Oregon rafters from war-time Canadian boats is used to soften the architecture of the home and draw focus to the leafy surrounds. 

Cohesively connecting the living with the dining space is the custom oak finishes on the stairs that separate the living and dining areas, as well as the in-built bench seats for the dining table. The curved concrete stairs throughout the property soften the look, and the in-built floating benches add to the home's luxe, Australian coastal feel. But, it's the outdoors space that ties it all together.

"The deck truly defines what outdoor living is, and can be," says Debbie. "With every aspect catered for, from the hanging chair and a dining table large enough for 12 guests. A fully equipped outdoor kitchen with bar fridge, fans during summer along with electrical heaters and a wood fireplace in winter."   

While downstairs, the backyard features a pool, trampoline, board racks and plenty of beach and pool toys for guests to make use of. Yet still, it's the six thoughtfully designed bedrooms, four luxurious bathrooms, and a laid-back media room that completes the home.

"We love how every part of the house complements each other, and that there is the ability to open up the space to bring everyone together to slow down, unwind and relax. Yet, at the same time, there is plenty of space for people to seek their own space and enjoy the peaceful serenity of the Noosa National Park," says Debbie. 

Where summery vibes linger year-round and easy-going days are always high on the agenda; Noosa may have a small-town feel, but it’s never left wanting. Flanked by the swells of the deep blue, the calm waters of Noosa River and the pristine wilderness of Noosa National Park, Noosa is an outdoor lover’s paradise. In town, global eats sit alongside ocean-fresh seafood, and casual surf gear goes hand-in-hand with high-end fashion. Yet, no stay in this coastal paradise is complete without time well-spent along the pristine beaches and in Noosa’s lush hinterland region.

For coffee/breakfast

Costa Noosa in Sunshine Beach for the best coffee.

For lunch

Vanilla Food for wholesome feeds. 

For dinner

Locale is a great Italian restaurant in Hastings Street.

For drinks

Catalina Noosa Saltwater Sundays sunset cruise is a must.

Go-to local boutique

Bedouin Traders at Peregian Beach for Bedouin style homewares.

Best things to do in Noosa

The Tanglewood Track in Noosa National Park is only a few metres from our home. It leads you to a lusher/greener part of the Noosa National Park which is quieter and more secluded (no crowds), but filled with the sounds of more wildlife. 

Interior Designer/Stylist: Bindy Ward 

Builder Designer: Georgina Price 

Photographer: The Palm Co. 

Loving our home tour of this beautiful barefoot luxury? Be sure to visit our Home Design content hub for all your design and styling needs.