Saltwater by Contemporary Hotels

It's hard to do justice to this jewel of a property in words. Barely noticeable from the road, it cascades down the side of the Barrenjoey Peninsula, offering stunning views of Pittwater and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park from five bedrooms and multiple living areas.

This is an outlook that grabs your attention: azure water, emerald bushland and the pure white sails of passing yachts. But there's just as much to appreciate inside the house.

Set over three levels, with an internal lift providing accessibility to all, it's a perfectly designed holiday home. Entering via the top level, with a double garage and driveway parking, visitors will be struck by the sheer size of the light-filled master bedroom, with its king bed, private covered balcony, enormous en-suite and walk-in robe. There's another bedroom here as well, along with a bathroom and a beautiful airy study.

Downstairs, the middle level is the heart of the house. Sunlight spills through the French Doors, illuminating dining and living spaces, including a living room with a built-in gas fireplace, a formal dining area and an expansive kitchen with high-end appliances, a breakfast bar and walk-in pantry. As lovely as these spaces are, we have a feeling you'll spend even more time on the huge terrace, designed for alfresco dining and relaxation.

There's another balcony on the lower level, as well as three bedrooms and an additional kitchen/bar, perfect for when you need a drink by the pool. Did we mention the pool? Surrounded by decking and lounges, its infinite design makes you feel like you could swim right into Pittwater.

Actually, that isn't so far from the truth. At the bottom of the terraced and landscaped yard, you'll find a private dock with direct access into deep water. It seems wrong that you can get all this only an hour from the centre of Sydney, but you can.

What the owner loves
What's not to love? This home is an architectural jewel, designed to fit into the landscape and take advantage of its spectacular setting. The interiors have recently been updated, with brand new designer furniture and effortlessly chic nautical styling. Not only that, it features innumerable modern comforts, including gas fireplaces in the living areas and master bedrooms, electric blinds and air-conditioning for those hot summer days.

What we love
The sense of tranquillity and privacy in this property is incredible. It’s hardly visible from the road, and the terraced design provides multiple areas to come together or find your own space. The view of the pristine National Park provides a sense that you’re deep in the bush, yet Palm and Whale Beaches are five minutes’ away, along with the iconic Jonah’s Restaurant, bushwalks, cafes and shopping.

What the active traveller loves
This is a paradise for the energetic. Not only is there the pool on the lower level, there's also a home gym area with an exercise bike, and a full-size sauna for those who like to sweat it out. The direct water access provides a whole range of possible activities, from kayaking to boating. And if you feel the need to get out and about there's always the beach and the stunning walk to Barrenjoey Lighthouse. Whatever happens, you won't be bored.

Please note the 5 bedrooms are located in the main house and the 6th bedroom (bunk room) is located separate to the main house only by about 1metre door to door but it is separate. Also to note the Air conditioning is on the top two levels but not on the lower pool entrance level where 3 of the bedrooms are located.