Not all beach houses are made equal — a fact that is no more apparent than when you take in the spectacular design of Legato House at Macmasters Beach. Idyllically situated amongst the natural beauty of Bouddi National Park and just a 10-minute walk from the golden beaches nearby, there’s a distinct sense of understated grandeur that arrives with Legato House, from its secluded spaces inside and out to the poise and control of the home’s architecture.
The property began its life as an entirely different home designed by David Boyle Architect, sixteen years before its current owner purchased the property with a vision to transform the block from top to bottom. The services of David Boyle Architect were reengaged by the current owner, alongside interior designers Arent&Pyke, who then oversaw the significant renovation of the both the residence and the surrounding gardens.
Upon completion in 2021, Legato House was embraced with enthusiasm by the architecture community of Australia, receiving a Commendation in the 2022 Australian Interior Design Awards for Residential Decoration, as well as making the shortlist for the 2022 Australian Interior Design Awards for Residential Design. With wonderfully executed details found throughout the house, there’s little wonder Legato House was so well received.
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“The contemporary Australian beach house vernacular and bush setting of this home have been honoured while incorporating timeless design and global influences – from mid-century Scandinavian to Japanese minimalism, and classic Mediterranean – all represented. The result is confident, authentic, and casual family home – and therefore, unmistakeably Australian.”
Australian Interior Design Awards
Featuring four bedrooms and two bathrooms, the 696m² block also boasts space for two cars to be parked in the garage at the end of the short front driveway. After walking past the front pond and up the patio stairs, you enter the L-shaped home into the foyer and downstairs living room, before you arrive at three of the smaller bedrooms, a bathroom, and the laundry.
The internal staircase takes you upstairs to the large open plan living, dining and kitchen space that enjoys floor-to-ceiling windows and disappearing doors that open out onto the covered outdoor entertaining area. The upper level is also where you’ll find the master bedroom complete with a walk-in-robe and ensuite bathroom, which wraps itself around one side of the incredible courtyard and delivers views across the cascading back gardens.
While the interior of the home rightly received notice from Australian Interior Design Awards, with its lights, climate control, entertainment systems, security and the Tesla Powerwall that can all be controlled from your phone, the rear of the block deserves equal praise. Upon entering the rear courtyard, you’re greeted by a large integrated steel and ironbark bench, informal granite boulder seating and even an outdoor shower, all before you continue up the hill to the pool area.
The pool is flanked by an angular cabana shaped in a way that I can’t help but be reminded of the John Lautner-designed house that appeared in the The Big Lebowski, complete with an overhanging structure that throws geometric shadows onto the sparkling waters below. The concrete cabana also contains a similarly angular singple-piece concrete bench and bar facilities, so you can mix your favourite libation without a trip back down to the house.
Legato House truly is a hidden gem in the Macmasters Beach neighbourhood, as a project that has been incredibly carefully thought through from every angle, both inside and out. The home is currently represented by Modern House and is currently seeking expressions of interest, with a price guide of $7.65 million.
