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The Austinmer beach house boasts panoramic views of the escarpment and the sea. Photo: Knight Frank.
Soak in some of the best views on the South Coast from the expansive top floor living area of this tri-level beach house in Wollongong’s prestigious northern suburbs.
Perched on the hillside just 100 metres from the beach at Austinmer, the grand residence has been designed to capture panoramic views of the coastline and the Illawarra escarpment.
Knight Frank sales agent Nathan Berlyn said the home at 5 Hillcrest Road, Austinmer was one-of-a-kind, with the vendors welcoming offers above $4 million.
“This property really is all about the location and those spectacular elevated northeast views,” he said.
“The upper level is the highlight of the home and as soon as you walk through the door you’re hit with that view.
“Floor-to-ceiling windows in the living area capture the panoramic vistas of the coastline and escarpment. You can’t beat it – it’s one of the best views on the South Coast.”
The kitchen, open plan living and master suite on the top floor boast soaring pitched ceilings with exposed beams, gleaming timber floors and expansive picture windows.
“You can sit at the dining table and watch whales and dolphins frolicking offshore and surfers catching waves as the sun goes down,” Nathan said.
Relax on the couch and watch the breathtaking summer storms roll in or curl up with a cuppa and soak in the sunrise before wandering down to the beach and diving into the crystal-clear waves. What a way to start your day!
Set over three levels, the four-bedroom home is massive, with huge open spaces and a flexible floor plan that could accommodate a growing family, extended family and guests.
“You’ve got two kitchens, four bedrooms and multiple entertaining areas,” Nathan said.
“The middle level is a two-bedroom self-contained apartment, so it would allow for visiting family members or would make a great teenage retreat. The house is massive with a unique floorplan that would be ideal for multi-generational living.
“It also has great investment potential. You could rent out the whole home or just the lower half and keep the other half as a weekender.
“I’m expecting interest from the Sydney market because, being low maintenance, it’s the perfect lock-up and leave holiday home.”
Built in the early 2000s, the custom home has a timeless luxe feel, with a high-end fit-out and custom joinery throughout.
The neutral colour scheme provides a blank canvas for someone to come in and add their own design flair and create a spectacular, contemporary beach house.
Nathan said the designer kitchen featured natural Italian stone benchtops, a large butler’s pantry with integrated fridge and freezer, custom joinery and a Falcon double electric oven with gas cooktop housed in a beautiful statement hearth.
“The kitchen is very stylish with an island bench that integrates a custom wine storage and a V-ZUG combi steam oven,” he added.
Facing the enormous open plan living area, the kitchen offers the perfect space to cook up a storm while soaking up those ocean views.
The master bedroom is also located on the top level and enjoys direct ocean views with an oversize custom walk-in robe. A stunning bathroom completes the master suite with a luxurious double shower and double vanity.
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On the middle level, the two-bedroom self-contained apartment is equipped with a full kitchen and butler’s pantry, a modern bathroom and stunning 180-degree ocean views via the enclosed balcony.
The lower level is another large versatile space with a bathroom, fourth bedroom and expansive deck for quality entertaining. This space is ideal for a guest room, rumpus room, home gym or home office. Dine with friends on the deck or wake up and stretch out in privacy with some yoga as the sun comes up.
After 20 years, the owners are selling up and leaving the home that provided their family with the ultimate beachside lifestyle.
Nathan said the coastal parts of Austinmer and Thirroul were in hot demand, with properties such as this, on the high side of the road, rarely listed for sale.
Set one street back from the beach, he said the home was quieter and more affordable than similar properties located below on busy Lawrence Hargrave Drive.
“The properties in front don’t have the elevated views, they’re on a busy road, and many are selling for around $6 million,” he said.
“So, at that price point, this home provides good value.”
A path down the side of the property provides direct access to the beach, while the homes in front have a height limit, so the views can’t be built out.
Upmarket eateries and boutique shops are within easy reach in the village centre, and the stunning ocean pools to the north are the perfect place to swim some morning laps before enjoying a coffee at the iconic Austi Beach Cafe.
It’s just a two-minute drive to Thirroul’s chic cosmopolitan village and there’s a choice of fabulous parks and playgrounds close by.
“This location is also perfect for those who commute to Sydney or Wollongong CBD for work or leisure, with the Austinmer train station within easy walking distance,” Nathan said.
“You’ve got everything close by and it’s a great family area with schools, the surf club and parks. It’s a nice little bubble to raise a family.”
To arrange an inspection at 5 Hillcrest Road, Austinmer contact Nathan Berlyn at Knight Frank on 0449 157 773.