Ocean Point Dream Home

We have been following the journey of Ocean Point Avenue being built on Instagram. We’ve witnessed how the bare land in the coastal Coffs Harbour location was developed into a stunning home with unique features, premium finishes and a tranquil atmosphere. 

In this article, we talk to Nathan from Bentley Homes NSW, a local builder in Coffs Harbour, in charge of both the build and the design behind this project.

The Vision

The outdoor and alfresco areas were a focal point of this build. The house wraps around the alfresco and pool area making it a stunning feature of the home. 

The master bed, kitchen, dining and living rooms all overlook the north-facing pool and alfresco area, flooding the home with natural light. 

Where did you draw your inspiration for this home?  

“Given the location of the block we were mostly aiming for a modern coastal feel to this home, but I feel we drew inspiration from a range of different styles to create this place,” explained Nathan. 

Any Kid’s Dream Backyard

“Being a battle-axe block of land it was tricky to design but we feel we did the best with the space we had and it really created a unique and beautiful home. 

And of course, we have made the most of the backyard space including dedicating the entire back triangle of the block for a kid’s zone, including a sand pit, trampoline and climbing frame with space for a swing set and mud kitchen in the future. It is truly any kid’s dream backyard, ” said Nathan.

ocean point ave alfresco

We love the alfresco area. It looks like you’ve got everything covered. What are all the different features and the thinking behind them? 

“The alfresco area really is something else, probably our favourite part of the home! With a northern aspect, it is full of light and overlooks a large backyard and pool area including a Balinese-style hut and tropical gardens. 

The alfresco area includes a large outdoor kitchen with BBQ that can be used all year round and seems to have become an essential part of the modern-day build in our Aussie climate,” said Nathan.

silver ash travertine french pattern

Premium Silver Ash Travertine In A French Pattern

The Silver Ash Travertine is a mid-tone grey stone with soft patterns of brown and dark ash tones interwoven into its surface to add contrast.

With its dominant grey and brown colours, it contrasts well against light and dark fixtures and showcases the patterns and beautiful natural variation present in natural stone, which adds a design statement to any space.

This Travertine is suitable for all modern and period-style homes and commercial spaces. It is popular in residential projects when used for floors, walls, pool surrounds and footpaths. It also works beautifully when connecting indoor and outdoor spaces.

silver ash travertine pool

French Pattern also referred to as Ashlar pattern or Versailles Pattern, is a modular pattern that is reminiscent of a stone floor from historic European palaces, adding an interesting feature to the floor and making it look elegant and impressive. 

You selected our Silver Ash Travertine French Pattern for the alfresco area, pool and spa hut. What was the thought process behind this and how did it work with the rest of the design? 

“A standout feature of this build is definitely the use of timber and stone throughout the home both inside and out. 

The Silver Ash Travertine floor combined with a blackbutt lined ceiling on the both alfresco and pool area is just stunning together. Using the French pattern Travertine throughout the alfresco, pool and spa hut area made them all flow together,” said Nathan.

silver ash travertine floor

What’s your favourite part of the build? 

“It is definitely difficult to choose a favourite part, obviously we are in love with the alfresco and pool areas but also need to mention the large open plan living/dining/kitchen area. 

The kitchen overlooks the pool and there is a large set of stackable doors that creates a large opening between the living and alfresco. 

ocean point ave kitchen

The living area also has a gorgeous stone-cladded fireplace where the glass wraps around the corner allowing it to face the living and alfresco areas,” explained Nathan.

What would be your #1 advice to people embarking on a journey of building their dream homes? 

It can be a stressful time, but don’t let it be. Do your research on products and try to think practically when making tough decisions. Try to enjoy the whole process and everything in between! 

ocean point ave jacuzzi

About Bentley Homes NSW

Bentley Homes are quality home builders in Coffs Harbour, Nathan Bentley and his business partner, Ashley Trengove. They specialise in quality, custom-built homes, extensions and renovations throughout Coffs Harbour and the surrounding areas. 

In addition, they offer a full range of building and renovation services, from decks and pergolas to home extensions and of course, new home construction.

They work throughout the Coffs Coast including Coffs Harbour, Sawtell and Toormina, Bonville, Repton, Urunga, Korora Beach, Sapphire Beach, Moonee Beach, Emerald Beach and Woolgoolga.

silver ash travertine alfresco

 

Products Used in This Project: Premium Silver Ash Travertine

Resort Style Living in MacMasters Beach

We are excited to share this stunning resort-style home in MacMasters Beach built by Balanced Building, which we had the privilege of photographing and experiencing in person. In the article, we talk to James and Chrissy Lewry, the owners, about the renovation and design of their forever home. 

They’ve transformed their alfresco area into a resort-style outdoor living with a beautiful pool, jacuzzi, outdoor living room, lounge and entertaining areas, creating a holiday atmosphere in their own backyard. 

They’ve used our elegant cream-coloured Crema Vialle Alfresco Limestone to provide soft undertones and beautiful rich texture. The stunning design earned the MBA Award in the Concrete Pools category.

As soon as you step onto the property, you feel a sense of quiet and tranquillity. You are surrounded by beautiful greenery, and the neutral soft colour palette used throughout, makes you feel so relaxed like you’re in a resort on holiday. 

before image
Before Image
After Image

Chrissy, what a transformation! The difference between your before and after photos are truly amazing!  What was your design vision for the project? Was there a particular style you were going for?

“The original home had a country homestead feel, we wanted to modernise the home and give it a Coastal/Modern look with a relaxed resort-style feel,” explained the homeowner Chrissy.

Chrissy has a natural talent when it comes to interior design and styling. Although she has never formally studied interior design, creating beautiful spaces has always been her hobby. 

Winning the award for the pool and being recognised by the Master Builders Association, competing with renowned architects, builders and designers, is a true testament to her natural talent.

She has used a beautiful neutral palette throughout the home, all the way from the front door through to the outdoor resort-style living area, from hard materials to soft furnishings and everything in between, creating a fresh, beautiful feel. 

With lots of natural light, different areas for lounging, and calming aesthetics, the relaxed style makes you feel like you’re on holiday in a beautiful resort.

crema vialle limestone pool drone

Sophisticated Living at Home Herbert

This week we talked to Cate from Catherine de Meur Interiors about the stunning interior transformation when renovating the lower level of the family residence and its alfresco living area to create a timeless contemporary design with soft muted colours. 

The team at Catherine de Meur Interiors overhauled the kitchenette and the alfresco area of Home Herbert and created a seamless transition from inside out by using our Manhattan Limestone and other design elements. 

The bathroom posed a challenge by lacking natural light and offering limited space but revamped it into a stylish space.  

Project Phoenix with TDDP Architects

A synergistic collaboration between the client and TDDP Architects to transform the design led to the exploitation and expansion of the spatial dimensions of the original house. The inclusion of custom natural stone affected a seamless look and showcased breathtaking views. 

A focal point of the house is the Swiss-engineered descending window in the main living area, which allows for an uninterrupted transition between the external and internal space.  

This flawless separation is reinforced by the presence of natural stone, which visually and technically brings together the indoor and outdoor space.

Booralie Project with iCreate Landscape & Design

This award-winning backyard in Terrey Hills started with a client’s vision to create a multipurpose garden for entertaining and dining, as well as provide a calming oasis.

iCreate Landscape & Design combined natural materials including our Lavarosa Limestone, exotic plant selection, trendy firepit and BBQ zone to create a contemporary coastal alfresco area.

The Booralie project won Gold and the ‘Best in Category’ Awards for Residential Construction at the 2021 Annual Landscape Excellence for the design. Read on to find out the whole story.

Project Lowry with Outside Indulgence

The alfresco area of the Lowry project underwent a major transformation. Outside Indulgence took the bare backyard and tailored the outdoor space to the needs of the family.

The refreshed backyard now includes a concrete pool with a water feature, an outdoor kitchen, a pool cabana with a fireplace along an outdoor shower that completes the family’s new oasis.

Apart from the focus on multifunctionality, the design embraced a modern tropical vibe with a sophisticated grey colour palette that combines a range of materials including Sareen Stone’s flamed Granite flooring.

In this article, Sam Langham, the director of Outside Indulgence, tells us more about this transformation and provides us with his perspective on landscaping trends and advice to people looking to renovate their outdoor space.

Cobbittee Street Project

The project at Cobbittee Street in Mosman in collaboration with Get Smart Landscaping underwent a major innovation with unique inspiration from the iconic Raffles in Singapore and coastal Byron Bay.

We talk to Marty from Get Smart Landscaping and find out more about the project and the vision behind the creative inspiration of the design.

Sofia Rose House

In this article, we look at the Sofia Rose House in collaboration with Noho Architecture and chat with Justine Money about how they improved the space, and sustainability of the house as well as how our Silhouette Granite fitted into the concept.

ALBA Apartments on Brisbane River

In this article, we look at the latest addition to Brisbane River, the riverfront apartments ALBA in Bulimba. Sareen Stone has supplied porcelain tiles for all the exterior, common, and bathroom areas in the project.

Then, we learn more about DVB projects and talk to Dean and Joel about the design brief for the development and the way in which Sareen Stone’s product selection contributed to the stunning final result.

Introducing the Location: Bulimba

We’re excited to be presenting the latest project that we’ve collaborated on with DVB Projects and Condev Constructions, the riverfront apartments in Brisbane’s sought-after suburb, Bulimba.

Located in close proximity to the city, while enjoying the calm village atmosphere and the serenity of the river location, Bulimba is one of the trendiest suburbs in Brisbane.

Apart from amazing views, this location offers an elegant lifestyle and attracts many people on the weekends of its bustling shops and cafes.

Peaceful yet invigorating, Bulimba residents enjoy all the perks of the village pace of life while only being 4 kilometres from the city, accessible through a majestic ferry ride.

The majority of homes in Bulimba take advantage of the river location and feature verandas, balconies and bay windows.

Travertine for a Subtropical Vibe in Marrickville

Using our Classic Travertine, we look at how Authentic Landscapes connected different elements of the landscaping and what was their choice of plants in order to make the outdoor space leafy but also low maintenance.

Then, we chat with Tom and learn more about Authentic Landscapes & Design and ask them about the current landscaping trends.