Great Escape
How a favourite campsite in Redgate became the location for an exclusive escape.
In partnership with EXCLUSIVE ESCAPES • Words ELIZABETH CLARKE
Located in Redgate, that sweet spot halfway between Gracetown and Karridale in the South West region, this 400sqm residence sits within a predominantly natural clearing surrounded by bushland, giant eucalyptus trees and the Indian Ocean. The four-bedroom home, designed by award-winning CSA Craig Steere Architects, is a raw, simplistic articulated structure that embraces its bush and beach setting.
“The owners spent time camping on the property to determine the perfect spot and outlook for their home, which is where the main spine of the house is now oriented – toward the west on the ridge,” Craig says. “There was a natural clearing that allowed for interaction with the forest, which enabled us to maximise exposure to the northern sun for passive solar benefits.”
The home is available to rent through Exclusive Escapes, whose general manager Dane Shardlow describes it as an “absolute standout”. “It is a home that epitomises the true beauty of the great South West, and its design, superb location and incredible entertainment facilities make it an absolute favourite with our clients,” he says. “It’s very large and private and just a short walk to the beach, making it a true coastal retreat. Its incredible resort-style facilities and comforts, such as a log fire, vast alfresco space, tennis court and a play area for children, are all set against the extraordinary backdrop of the bush and ocean. It’s very special, even as part of a portfolio of 160 homes.”
The house is designed around its prominent central spine, allowing for a spacious and functional layout. To the south, a wing contains the master suite and home office, while the north side houses the children's and guest wing. The house is accessed through this main spine. On opening the front door, you are welcomed by a stunning ocean view to the west, from the exact spot the owners chose as their favourite while camping.
The Indian Ocean is a shimmering backdrop for the home from almost every angle, with valley views to the South West. A long, low-level horizontal window frames the undulating hills in the open-plan area when seated.
“To capture that valley view, we elevated the main suite on stilts, hovering over a natural ridge, and when you open the blinds in the morning it’s like opening up a tent and looking over a wonderful vista,” Craig says. “We set the main bodies of the house on a low-raised plinth so it touches the ground lightly and provides an inviting elevated viewing platform that looks out to the west beyond the bush and to the sweeping ocean views.”
Durable and low-maintenance industrial materials have been chosen for the home. Colorbond sheeting offers exceptional durability and weather resistance, while galvanised steel combines a raw aesthetic with improved structural integrity. The floors are made of unfinished concrete, providing thermal mass, capturing winter sun, while creating a solid foundation for the interior spaces and embracing the Australian bush setting.
The design features a roof cantilevered to provide summer shade and that folds downward to form wall panelling, which enhances the home’s controlled, pared-back aesthetics while ensuring easy maintenance, especially given the surrounding trees. Custom oversized gutters are installed at a low level along the base of the walls, providing easy access for cleaning while walking around the house. This design has also effectively protected the home during two major bushfires. The owners were able to block the large bottom gutters and fill them with water, creating a perimeter trough around the house.
The simplicity of the home’s design and raw materials, with its expanses of glass, not only captures the vast ocean views but encourages you to feel at one with nature and the bush surrounding it, embracing that feeling of a very special camping experience.
"It feels very calming with its expanses of glass, not only capturing the vast ocean views but also encouraging you to feel at one with nature and the bush surrounding it."
—CRAIG STEERE, CSA Craig Steere Architects
Redgate Beach House is available to rent from Exclusive Escapes.
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