Seven of the best modern beachfront homes in Australia

The idea of an Australian beach house has come a long way from the simple shacks of the past. Nowadays, architects are reinventing the idea of a beachfront home to modern and sophisticated designs that still retain that sense of a casual and carefree lifestyle.

Here in Australia, we’re surrounded by beautiful oceans on every side, so it’s only natural that such homes would come in abundance. Here’s a list of some of the best that will have you dreaming of a life spent by the seaside.

1. Oceanfront beach house: Avalon, NSW

Claiming one of North Avalon’s finest ocean-front positions in Sydney, this flawless contemporary residence was designed by Eduardo Villa as the quintessential beach house. The owner first found this property when it was an old shack, however saw its potential due to its breathtaking location. Here you can whale watch from the front yard, or even from your bed, first thing each morning.

Photos: Domain listing

2. Lorne residence: Lorne, VIC

The Lorne residence, inspired by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, is surrounded by national park and rests solidly on the edge of a cliff, which has a 60 degree incline. There are panorama views over the Great Ocean Road from many points of the home, and if that isn’t enough to impress – there’s also a breathtaking infinity pool that overlooks the beach.

Photos: Woods Bagot

3. Ocean House: Lorne, VIC

The Ocean House is a retreat designed by architecture company Robert Mills Architects and Interior Designers. Also located along the Great Ocean Road, the glass and timber pavilion blends wilderness with contemporary chic. Resembling a modern castle, a concrete spiral staircase creates a fortress-like lookout with sweeping views.

Photos: Ocean House

4. Azuris: Hamilton Island, QLD

Renato D’Ettorre Architects have designed Azuris, a home located on Hamilton Island in Queensland. The home’s position on a steep site above the water’s edge, provides amazing views of the Whitsunday Islands and the surrounding Great Barrier Reef. An infinity pool awaits within the outdoor space, where it seemingly camouflages with the ocean from certain viewpoints.

Photos: Renato D’Ettorre Architects

5. Mount Martha House: Mornington Peninsula, VIC

The Mount Martha House is a family retreat, literally footsteps away from the beach. Perched on a steep, quiet pocket of the Mornington Peninsula region, this beachfront home was designed by OLA Studio, who set out to take advantage of its unique dwelling. The firm appropriated the slopped site, and as such, the building emerges from the landscape appearing to effortlessly float above the ground.

Photos: Manos Mavridis

6. House Holman: Dover Heights, NSW

Designed by architecture firm Durbach Block Jaggers, House Holman is perched on the edge of a 70-metre cliff at Dover Heights, just outside of Sydney. The living and dining areas cantilever out over the ocean, allowing dramatic views up and down the coast. The lower floor forms a base that is built from rough stone walls like an extension of the cliff below with a vase-shaped rock pool.

Photos: Brett Boardman and Peter Bennett

7. Rotten Point House: Johanna, VIC

Nestled in between the Otways National Park and Johanna surf beach is the Rotten Point House, a home that sits above the water. Designed by Nicholas Burns, this architecturally rammed earth house with floor-to-ceiling windows provides stunning ocean views. Sit back and relax on the outdoor deck with stunning views of the beach, cliffs and surrounding countryside.

Photos: Rotten Point House