ARCHITECT Josh Crosbie is selling his revamped 1960s Lorne beach house that’s been artfully transformed into a laid-back coastal escape overlooking Louttit Bay.
It was love at first sight when the Surf Coast resident and his young family first bought the property more than 10 years ago before embarking on a sympathetic renovation that blends into the natural environment.
It looks as if history could repeat itself with buyers already lining up for the re-imaged four-bedroom house, just 100 metres from the water’s edge.
The house is clad in a native, fire-resistant hardwood.
Architect Josh Crosbie redesigned the 1960s house for his family.
Clad in silver top ash, the elevated two-storey home at 31 Dorman St sits among coastal stringybarks on a fun-filled 874sq m block that’s also home to three Robinson Crusoe-inspired tree houses and a rock climbing wall.
An expansive Turkish travertine-tiled deck captures dreamy ocean views, while gardens landscaped with 30 tonnes of granite boulders, recycled jarrah sleepers and late 1700s convict hand-pecked sandstone blocks add a finishing touch.
Handmade Moroccan tiles add a splash of colour in the kitchen.
The 50sq m deck offers ocean views.
Great Ocean Road Real Estate, Lorne agent Craig Willmott said buyers were swooning over the original feel and quality of the renovation.
“I reckon (Josh) has hit the nail on the head,” Mr Willmott said.
“You see a lot of stuff that is really on the contemporary side, with white everywhere, white marble, white paint and it’s kind of nice to see something that is way more in harmony with the original beach house.
“I have to say what people like about it is just that 1970s style, that retro feel.”
The relaxed family room.
The backyard is paradise for kids.
He said the open-plan kitchen, dining and living area was a highlight as it opened to the ocean on one side and the landscaped gardens on the other.
Handmade Moroccan tiles, Smeg appliances and an original PH5 light were carefully chosen for the space, while outside bronze nails were imported from the US.
Each of the four bedrooms on the main level also have deck access, while downstairs is a self-contained studio, double garage and storage room.
The self-contained studio.
One of two bathrooms at the property.
Mr Willmott said another bonus was the approved plans and permits for a third level that would house a main bedroom suite and a parents’ retreat with ocean views.
“It’s really hard to get approval to go up a level, especially in Lorne,” he said.
“If someone turned around and did that, the amount of accommodation would be amazing.”
The property is listed for $1.65 million.