*As seen in The Logbook
If life is a series of scrapbook moments, like an album of pages holding the snapshots of our lives, then Beachhouse Gerroa deserves a full page just for itself. Right on the Gerroa coastline of Australia the beachhouse, which launched in May 2019 after extensive renovations by new owners Greg and Bernadette Cooper, seems to have been designed with the purpose of capturing that perfect moment.
THE COOPERS
The Coopers have been operating high end luxury family rentals for a number of years through their other property Berry Beach Farm, but when the opportunity came along to buy the Beach House this took their business to a whole new level. Greg was formerly a finance executive and the whole family has lived and travelled around the world, including Hong Kong, London, Singapore and of course Sydney over the last thirty years.
“We love the south coast and have always kept an eye out for the right property to come along on the Gerroa headland,” Greg says, “This property was one of only two on the headland that had the vista from every room so it’s quite unique and we didn’t hesitate when we got the chance to buy it.”
To say that the Coopers were ready for this property is an understatement. The purchase of the property that would become Beachhouse Gerroa was finalized in February 2018, and the renovations took slightly over a year and opened in May 2019.
IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS
Bernadette is the designer behind the property and explains that the beachhouse is decorated in a Coastal Hamptons style with a relaxed holiday feel. Working closely with their daughter and their builder, the renovations really began from this design.
“We started with the shell of the existing house and a vision,” she says, “To get there it needed considerable renovation, so it was basically stripped back to its bare shell and then rebuilt from there.”
She says that they knew exactly what they wanted to do with the property and what they wanted the outcome to be, “The design was heavily influenced by our global travels and some of the beautiful properties we have stayed in around the world.”
The Coastal Hamptons style is a perfect fit for the space, making full use of the abundant natural light and taking advantage of each room possessing a view of the ocean vista. Which makes for some terrific experiences with the weather on this part of Australia.
“What could be better than sitting by one of our two beautiful sandstone open fireplaces watching the ocean?” she asks, “Or relaxing in the hot tub as the storm rolls in towards you?”
THE BEACHHOUSE GERROA
With a massive entrance area, sandstone fireplace, lounge room, balcony and dining table for twelve, this house is an entertainer’s dream. Making it perfect for family gatherings, corporate functions or exclusive getaways.
“There is a large back living room with another sandstone fireplace and drink-fridges,” Greg says, “Naturally, there is the essential outdoor barbeque and a massive rear deck with a hot tub overlooking the ocean. Perfect for the enjoyment of evening barbecues, and morning barbecues and afternoon barbecues too.”
ACCOMMODATION
There is space for ten guests to stay comfortably, but the house can hold events with up to fifty people. The busiest times of the year is around Christmas, the January holiday period and Easter.
That being said, Gerroa is getting increasingly busy all year round as people realize it’s not just a summer destination. For some visitors the summer temperatures, which usually average at around 25-35 degrees Celsius, with the occasional spike to 40 degrees, aren’t as attractive as the cool, wet winters. Winter temperatures are milder but with just as much sunshine and this is attracting a different range of guests. Weekends are becoming very popular with visitors coming down from Sydney or Canberra, and the Coopers are also seeing more interstate and international visitors.
There are three queen sized bedrooms with bathrooms and dazzling views, and a kid’s bedroom with four bunkbeds with the main bathroom just across the hall. Linen, bedclothes, robes and all the usual amenities are provided for, but guests will need to bring their own food and drink.
GERROA
Gerroa is a small town and part of the Kiama Municipality, considered to be the southernmost town in the Illawarra region of the New South Wales coastline in Australia, roughly 130 km south of Sydney.
It’s a beautiful area characterized by impressive views of the beach and Mount Coolangatta and according to the Coopers guests typically leave feeling that they have barely scratched the surface of this small but engaging area. The townships of Berry is a Sydney favourite, and there are beautiful wineries in the hinterland and of course the beach right out the front.
ACTIVITIES
In the beachhouse, guests cannot get any closer to the sea without getting their feet wet. According to Greg and Bernadette it is as close to a perfect beach as you can get.
“Gerroa is a great beach with a more gentle wave for kids and families yet the wide open vista of Seven Mile Beach right ahead of you,” Bernadette says, “There are also lots of little secret beaches and beach walks that people don’t know about which is always a worthwhile adventure for families, friends and couples.”
Gerroa township is quite quaint and there is a natural limit to the number of people who can stay there as the population is only 673 people, yet it’s close to the great restaurants and shopping of Berry township and the surf vibe of Gerringong. It has in fact spawned some legendary surfers including the likes of Sally Fitzgibbons and Tyler Wright.
“For guests we also provide bikes, surfboards and stand up paddleboards so they can get out and enjoy the water,” Greg says.
WHAT GUESTS CAN EXPECT
The Coopers run their business themselves and have sought to build strong relationships with local suppliers and feel that this is an important part of providing the best quality service and stay for their guests.
“We have a longstanding relationship with our cleaning team who regularly inspect and update aspects of the property,” Greg says, “As one example of the suppliers we use, they’re brilliant at dealing with the small details.”
For them, they believe that the smallest details affect the highest standards and that guests notice these things. Little things like making sure that the chrome on the faucets is always sparkling, that there is never any dust on the porcelain and that the windows are always clear and clean.
“Many of our clients are repeat guests because of the standards,” he says, “If you create a guest experience that surpasses their expectations, on the little and big details, it can generate that feeling that you just have to come back.”
2020
As the Beachhouse Gerroa is their latest project, The Coopers want to continue to grow this in conjunction with their sister property Berry Beach Farm. They are also particularly interested in renting out the use of the property for events and photo shoots alongside holiday stays.
IDEAL FOR
Good for those seeking a relaxing weekend with some outdoor activities, perfect for group outings when entertainment is the priority. This is designed to be a welcoming and hospitable place and Bernadette has simply excelled in creating something beautiful.
Interested in booking?
See contact details.
PRICE.
Prices range from $1600 per night normally to $2000 per night in the high season over Christmas and January. There is a minimum two night stay on weekends and seven nights in School Holiday periods.
WEBSITE: www.beachhousegerroa.com.au
ADDRESS: 64 Burke Parade, Gerroa, NSW, 2534
TELEPHONE NUMBER: +61 448 276 587
EMAIL: beachhousegerroa@gmail.com
