gerringong – The Interiors Addict

Unique bunker-style holiday home on NSW south coast

Nestled in the landscape on a magical ocean front spot in Gerringong, on the NSW South Coast, ‘Bunker House’ is the work of builder Neil Hipwell of Futureflip and it also happens to be his drool-worthy holiday home.

Having long visited the region for family holidays, Neil and his wife Krystal decided to create a luxury escape for when they and their three children want to escape the big smoke. “We wanted to capture the feeling of resort-style living and create a house that was perfect for entertaining,” says Neil.

The Bunker is situated on prime oceanfront land

Designed and built by Futureflip, the home’s design incorporates mid-century modern elements while remaining sensitive to the surrounding landscape. One of the key objectives was finding a way to capture the ocean views while maintaining privacy in what is a prominent oceanfront location. Stacked floor-to-ceiling glass doors certainly help on this front.

Lounge room — The lounge room has fabulous ocean views

Rather expansive, the home sleeps 16 adults comfortably and every bedroom has an adjoining ensuite which is perfect for when the family has guests. A highlight of the home, the pool is located on the top floor, a location that ensures that the 180-degree views can be enjoyed while swimming too.

Pool — Bisazza glass mosaic tiles line the pool

The location also determined the materials palette with hard-wearing materials a must. “The effects of the sea salt and strong north-easterly winds were significant, so material choices needed to be carefully considered,” says Neil. Concrete is a key construction material (and it references nearby Ourie pools), while cedar cladding was chosen as a nod to the history of the town as a key cedar port.

Located on the top floor, the kitchen features recycled messmate custom joinery which is a nice foil to the stark concrete bones of the home, and Smeg appliances.

The home was built with sustainability in mind and is capable of running ‘off-grid’ due to its 10,000L rainwater tanks and 21.6kw solar system. Smart home automation allows the couple to control the entire home at the touch of a button, from anywhere in the world.

Neil and Krystal Hipwell with their three children

If you’d like to follow Neil and Krystal’s journey designing and building this home, check out their six-part web series here.

For more

1980’s home on NSW South Coast gets remarkable makeover

Originally built in the eighties, this two storey Gerringong home was purchased by Sydney interior designer Aimee McKechnie, and her builder husband Blair, before it was given an extraordinary makeover recently. Designed to function as a holiday home for the couple (and their two children), and a beautiful retreat that could be rented out to guests, the home’s understated luxury is lightyears away from the home’s original dated and dilapidated aesthetic.

Affectionately referred to as the ‘80s tiled beast,’ the home was in a state of significant disrepair when Aimee and Blair accepted the renovation challenge. “The home had received a few add-ons over the years but had no love or maintenance which is critical when you’re situated so close to the ocean,” says Aimee.

None of the sliding doors closed, due to corrosion from the salty air, and the balcony was comprised of rotten timber, rendering it completely unsafe.

With a renovation timeline of six months, and a budget of $700k, Aimee worked to a specific brief (warm minimal with a Mediterranean vibe), and sourced lots of local furniture and art with that in mind.

“In all of my projects I’m quite passionate about showcasing Australian artists and craftspeople. In this house, I combined these pieces with wall hangings and ceramics from Morocco as well as a selection of beautiful tiles throughout to add interest and warmth,” she says.

Key to the design brief was the use of natural materials. From engineered oak floorboards to travertine tiles as well as soft furnishings made from linen and leather, the spaces have a textural, comfortable feel. “We then added in a bit of brass and a few unique vintage items to elevate the look,” says Aimee.

With its vaulted ceiling and northern ocean and mountain views, the upstairs living area is the undisputed centrepiece of the home. The kitchen was reorientated to face the living space and views, while the ceiling and upstairs balcony were lined with shiplap boards which completely transformed the space.

“The renovation really focussed on this area as the social hub of the home and the whole area became one large cocoon. You can cook while friends sit at the bench, banquette or nearby fireplace. It’s such a fantastic entertaining space now,” says Aimee.

AFTER kitchen — AFTER The kitchen area features Aimee’s beloved banquette seating

As for holiday bookings, the property has been fully booked out for almost six months in advance since launching. “It’s been a COVID success story given people are so limited in their travel options at the moment. We’ve hosted so many wonderful guests that have celebrated everything from weddings to 80th birthdays. I love the variety of guests we have and the feedback from those that have stayed has been so positive.”

Photography: The Palm Co

Book your stay | For more on Aimee’s interior design business

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