The owners sought a distinctive architectural approach for their latest project in Collaroy. One of the major design objectives was to craft a home that balanced communal family spaces with private retreats, ensuring both connection and seclusion. This inspired a layout featuring two distinct wings—one for the parents and one for the children. These wings are deliberately disconnected, enhancing privacy and creating a sense of sanctuary.

Positioned on a dramatic headland, the site commands sweeping ocean views which the design takes advantage of through expansive glazing and strategic orientation. It maximises natural light and frames the coastal vistas, while also incorporating a sheltered outdoor courtyard that offers respite from the sea breeze. This private external space provides an intimate balance to the home’s open, view-oriented areas.

The children’s wing runs down the northern side of the property on two levels, and provides four bedrooms with a sitting area upstairs. A study with wonderful views to the water sits below on the northern end on the ground floor level. The study space leads down to a generous open-plan living area oriented toward the ocean. This living space flows into the kitchen and dining zones, creating a cohesive sequence. Adjacent to the pool, a versatile winter room serves as an indoor lounge. A covered terrace nearby extends the living space, offering a secondary outdoor area by the pool.

Spatially, the residence is functional as well as dramatic. The kitchen area’s outlook toward the beach is a striking focal point. We were able to blend views, light, and spatial flow into something that feels quite special. The high level of finishing and attention to detail that the Bellevarde team achieved are on show throughout the build.

The careful choice of materials help define the building’s character. In the internal courtyard, handmade Krause bricks, expertly laid, give a tactile, artisanal quality, adding warmth and texture. The basement level, which is partially subterranean, showcases the refined concrete work for which Bellevarde is renowned.

Fishermans Beach House marks another successful collaboration between VKA, the owners, and Bellevarde. The Bellevarde team executed the project with exceptional craftsmanship, delivering a refined result that has delighted us all.

I had worked on a previous house for this client nearby fifteen years ago, and then a Virginia Kerridge designed house for them in Byron Bay. We developed a good working relationship over many years, so we had a good rapport going into this project.

This was another Virginia Kerridge designed house, and I was asked to design the interiors—the materiality, the bathrooms, kitchen, banquettes and all the joinery, along with the very detailed front door with marble inlay. I’m very pleased with what we were able to do.

Bellevarde are terrific builders and I have great respect for what they do, especially the quality of workmanship and their execution of our design intent.

This is our third time building with Bellevarde and our second home in Collaroy. Our first two Bellevarde homes were such masterpieces that choosing them for this project was a natural decision. Each experience with Bellevarde has been a journey of craftsmanship and collaboration and this one is no exception.

Our previous Collaroy home was beautifully designed and expertly built, but its smaller block left us feeling a little tight on floorspace. This time, we wanted more space and more privacy along with some extra growing room for the kids. The strong north-east winds had previously felt ever-present, so we set out to create a sheltered sanctuary with an internal pool and garden. Now, on sunny, windy days, we can bask in the alfresco area, soaking in the views while feeling completely protected. It’s become our favourite place to gather.

Architect Virginia Kerridge brought our vision to life with a design that’s stunning and functional. Bellevarde, as always, turned those plans into reality with inimitable skill. It’s one thing to dream up a home on paper; it’s another to navigate the complexities of construction and make it real. Despite challenges like lockdowns and even material delays due to unexpected global supply chain issues (piracy, of all things!), Bellevarde never faltered. They adapted seamlessly to redesigns prompted by life changes—like our daughter’s marriage, which called for reconfigured spaces. Even six months of relentless rain was taken in stride. They simply erected an enormous tent over the site to keep work moving forward.

Bellevarde’s site manager, Murray Bolton, was the heart of this project. His calm leadership gave the sense that no challenge was too great. Murray never brought us problems—only solutions. For any issue, he’d present thoughtful options, explaining them clearly. His ability to guide the team with grace while keeping every detail in check was key. As the build neared completion, we found ourselves emotional at the thought of no longer seeing Murray, Jamie Hall, Will Tracey, and the Bellevarde crew on-site. They’d become like family and we wanted them to somehow be here forever. In a way, they are.

The building excellence extends to every detail. The bricklayers, working with Krause bricks, poured such care and passion into their work that the walls themselves feel like art. The front door is a showstopper—generously oversized, made of timber with brass trim and inlaid pink onyx. It’s a testament to the skill and dedication of the team.

We would also like to give special thanks to the team who helped to bring the whole project together. Iain Halliday at BKH created an exceptional interior design with beautiful finishes, complemented by the furnishings and styling of Jack Milenkovic at Atelier Lab. Without the joinery by Mark Board at Sublime Custom Cabinetry this house would not be as wonderful as it is. And finally, Daniel Bafsky at 360 Degrees created a great landscape design, meticulously installed by Christian Jory at Bates Landscape.

This house is everything we hoped for and more. From how it looks on the outside to how it feels on the inside, it’s a space that’s uniquely ours. Every room tells a story of care, precision, and artistry. With Bellevarde, perfection isn’t just a goal—it’s a promise they deliver on time and time again.