Home Tour: This Luxury Beach House will have You Dreaming of a Summer Escape

In the hectic pace of everyday life, we can often forget to do the things that truly fill our cup. Whether that’s reading an intoxicatingly good book in one sitting, having a joy-inducing conversation with a loved one, or cooking up a delicious meal from scratch.

But what if there was a hidden retreat that was all about leaning into these pursuits?

Situated just 100 metres from the Mount Martha coastline on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, you’ll find Martha Beach House – a luxurious, beach house that’s been dubbed the ultimate escape for “creative thinkers, merry-makers and style-seekers.”

Mornington Magic

Part Mediterranean villa, part mini-day spa, this luxe, eight-bed beach house was brought to life through the expert eye of Founder and Principal Designer Hana Hakim from Melbourne-based studio, The Stella Collective.

For a year and a half, Hana and her team transformed the property from an unliveable beach shack into a must-visit coastal destination that is intimately connected to the spirit of the Mornington Peninsula.

“Typically, we always prefer to preserve and renew a property however this one proved beyond salvation. So, we embarked on a complete rebuild to breathe new life into this coastal gem,” Hana explains of the massive renovations.

Barefoot Luxe

The brief from owner Mandy Henderson was to create an instantly calming yet sophisticated place that represented a “barefoot luxe” vibe.

“We wanted to make a home and travel destination that allows each day to become an opportunity to feel beautiful, grateful, and connected. A sanctuary that harmonises the local traditions of boating, fishing and a passion for simple living and quality of life,” Hana tells us.

As Hana explains, the team had both a global and local perspective when designing the spaces. From the outside, it’s a rather inconspicuous building.

But once you step inside, expect a visual feast for the eyes with tactile paved stone floors teamed with divine Italian marble, Moroccan wool rugs and flowing, sheer curtains that perfectly illuminate the afternoon sun.

“We worked with locally sourced materials, and rusticated masonry ensuring the language of travel shines through,” Hana notes.

Unwind & Indulge

It was also important that Martha Beach House encourages its guests to really unwind and do something just for them.

“I think the moment you step into the property; the calming nature of the home beckons you to do your favourite things that often get lost in today’s busy rabbit hole of life,” the designer reveals.

Throughout the home, there’s a slew of special nooks and crannies that nudge guests in the right direction of holiday mode.

The first-floor living area is light, bright and open – with a spacious kitchen, ILVE oven and wine fridge. While the day spa-inspired ensuite has a rose-coloured travertine vanity with double basins and weathered antique brass tapware and a large shower that can fit two.

“Adding these hidden spots allows a moment to yourself, and hopefully a beautiful memory of your time at the property that you can savour when you’re back to the grind,” Hana reflects.

Downstairs, there’s a second spacious living area that comes with a pool table and three additional bedrooms – all with comfortable Queen-sized beds for a blissful sleep. The main bathroom has a deep, tiled bath that’s perfect for a long, lingering soak.

Outside the pool and deck area, which were designed by Kate Patterson Landscapes, serve as ideal spaces for guests to unwind. The resort-style pool is heated so you can enjoy a dip no matter the weather, before kicking back on a bean bag and having a nap or soaking up the breathtaking surroundings of the Mornington Peninsula.

As owner Mandy Henderson beams of the finished outcome, “Hana has conceived a space that feels instantly calming, yet sophisticated. The entire property envelops you with a sense of ease and beauty.”

PROJECT CREDITS

Interior Styling: The Stella Collective @thestellacollective

Photographer: Lillie Thompson @lillie_thompson

Architect: Peter Pontifex, RAW Architecture

Landscaping: Kate Patterson Landscapes @katepattersonlandscapes

Words: Bella Brennan @bellarosebrennan

Loved our tour of Martha Beach House and want to keep perving some of the most stylish places going around? Take a tour of Byron Bay’s coolest new boutique hotel, Sun Ranch. Then check out this gorgeous Bronte home which epitomises quiet luxury.