Skip to main content

This Australian Beach House is a Modern-Day Seaside Villa

For god’s sake, don’t get a cheesy beach house in Miami… you’ll regret it.

Instead, escape across the globe to the remote Mornington Peninsula region of Victoria, Australia, where this perfect modern beach house sits unbothered by guidos or aggressive seagulls.

Designed by architects Ola Studio of Melbourne, the beach house Martha is the epitome of summer vacation houses, satisfying our need to retreat and float away for a while.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The single story, four-bedroom structure sits literally at the cusp of the water, perched in a calm and quiet nook of the Mornington Peninsula. The majority of visitors to this area are looking to escape to wineries and calm beaches, so there’s no need to fear obnoxious frat bros on your only break during the year.

The lack of housing clutter in the area allowed architects to build a horizontally expansive and robust dwelling with jaw-dropping views of the Peninsula. The sensation is one of extreme privacy, yet tremendous openness… which you won’t get with the majority of beach houses found in popular summer spots around the world.

Ola Studio built Martha on a sloped site, allowing the structure to blend into its wide landscape. The effect of this is nothing short of the illusion of floating. And this airy design seeps into your pores and gives new meaning to the term vacation. It also helps that the house was built in three zones that separate a parent’s area, kids or guest zone, and a living/kitchen space that opens up to the coastal views. This blending of intimate and social is spot freakin’ on.

And while the beach house is light, it was built strong enough to withstand the effects of its natural coastal surrounding.

Taking into account the extreme weather conditions that can hit this local, Ola Studio concealed Martha’s windows behind operable timber shutters and various screens to give the retreat all-season usability. One detail we love: when the shutters are open they can be manipulated into various framed views, letting the sunshine pour into the space from a multitude of perspectives.

We’re also drooling over the use of natural Australian timber hardwood for the external cladding and the way the sand literally meets you at the back door.

Last but not least… what’s a beach house without a pool?

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Jahla Seppanen
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Born and raised off-the-grid in New Mexico, Jahla Seppanen is currently a sports, fitness, spirits, and culture writer in…
Apple just gave hikers, campers, skiers, and snowboarders a great reason to use Apple Maps and ditch Google Maps
Go anywhere and never get lost
Apple Maps update press release photo

Google Maps has long been a dominant player in navigation, known for its comprehensive data and ease of use. However, with the release of iOS 17, Apple has introduced a game-changing feature that's set to make Apple Maps the go-to choice for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. Apple is finally introducing offline maps, and it's a feature that will revolutionize the way hikers, campers, skiers, and snowboarders navigate the great outdoors.
iOS 17 unveils offline maps for Apple Maps
Apple Maps has come a long way since its initial launch, and it's continually striving to offer users a more robust and feature-rich experience. With the launch of iOS 17 on September 18, 2023, Apple is introducing offline maps, a feature that will be a game-changer for those who love outdoor activities.

Offline maps allow users to select specific areas to download to their phones. Once downloaded, these maps can be accessed and used without an internet connection. This makes it possible to enjoy turn-by-turn navigation and conduct searches even in remote areas where internet connectivity may be unreliable or nonexistent. It works similarly to Google Maps in the sense that you do need a WiFi connection to download the maps, but after that, you're good to go off the grid.
The perfect companion for outdoor adventures
For outdoor enthusiasts, this feature is a dream come true. Whether you're hiking in the wilderness, camping in a remote location, skiing down the slopes, or snowboarding in the mountains, having access to offline maps can be a lifesaver. Here's how this feature can benefit different adventure seekers:

Read more
Ultimate relaxation: This massage chair is $3,700 off until tomorrow
A woman sitting in the Sharper Image Revival Zero Gravity Massage Chair.

Relaxing at home is a much-underrated activity for many of us. That's why we had to highlight one of Best Buy's deals of the day which has a Sharper Image Revival Zero Gravity Massage Chair down to $1,799. It usually costs $5,499 so you're saving a spectacular $3,700 off the regular price. Whether you've had a long day at work or you've just got back from a hectic session at the gym, you need a great massage chair to relax into. Here's what we know about it while you decide whether to hit the buy button or not. Remember -- you've only got until the end of today to do so.

Why you should buy the Sharper Image Revival Zero Gravity Massage Chair
Arriving with no assembly required, the Sharper Image Revival Zero Gravity Massage Chair is far better than any of the best massage guns you may have been considering for your post-workout recovery. It offers the most beneficial position for you to sit with the least amount of pressure on your spine.

Read more
These are the 13 best Brad Pitt movies, ranked
Does your favorite Brad Pitt movie make the list?
Brad Pitt staring across the table

If you were to look up the word "superstar" in the dictionary, it wouldn't be surprising if Brad Pitt's visage was strewn across the page. When you hear his name, it’s hard not to think of his chiseled abs, effortless charm, and distinctively beautiful face. Many may even immediately think of all the media surrounding his romantic entanglements with Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston, but we’re definitely not here to talk about that.

Today, we are here to talk about the many strides Brad Pitt has made in his film career; from war movies to heist comedies, he's taken his physical beauty and made the most of it. While he may not have the reputation of Tom Hanks or Al Pacino, Pitt has become a great performer in his own right. In addition to his prolific acting career, Pitt is also a producer with more than 60 credits to his name. Clearly, there is much more to him than just what meets the eye, which is part of what makes him such a compelling screen presence.

Read more