The Sandbar House by Contemporary Hotels

Between bush and blue water, this contemporary Australian beach house is a luxurious escape only an hour from the Sydney CBD. Located on a sloping waterfront block in the hideaway suburb of Maianbar, it features uninterrupted views of crystal-clear Port Hacking.

From the street, visitors come down through a landscaped hillside garden to a charming weatherboard entrance with its own deck area. But the entryway belies the scale of the home. As you open the front door and descend the steps to the ground floor living area, everything opens up, with sunlight flooding through the north-facing full-length windows.

This beautifully appointed space opens onto an oversized balcony looking directly over the water to the opposite shore. This is a modern take on Aussie seaside style, open to the outdoors, with beautiful blonde timber floorboards, mid-century influenced designer furniture and a state-of-the-art kitchen. This floor is also home to the main bathroom and laundry.

The deck is the real treasure here, as perfect for morning cups of coffee as it is for long, lazy lunches overlooking the inlet. Stairs lead directly down to the water, where a near-infinite list of aquatic activities await the young or young at heart.

Above the deck and living area, the first floor is home to all the bedrooms. All three feature views of the water, with access to another beautiful balcony that runs the length of the floor. The queen master bedroom offers the unique opportunity to stretch in a full-size tub overlooking Port Hacking, as well as an en-suite WC. Kids will love the adventure of staying in the bunk room, which sleeps four.

What the Owner Loves
Ask most Sydneysiders where Maianbar is and they'll have no idea. Just around the corner from its more famous cousin, Bundeena, this sleepy beachside suburb has somehow managed to fly under the radar. It feels like the middle of nowhere, but it's only an hour from Sydney by car and a short ferry ride from Cronulla.

What We Love
We love the way this house combines contemporary design with simple charm. It's not an enormous mansion and it's not decked out in Carrara marble, but it manages to be stylish and spacious nonetheless. The timber and rattan furniture oozes timeless sophistication, and the fixtures and appliances are of the highest quality. This is functional minimalism with a maximalist view.

What the Family Loves
This is the perfect getaway for families with kids. The bunk room, which offers accommodation for up to four guests, is ideal for children, cousins and friends. And once they're up and about, there's so much to do. Beachcombing, fishing, swimming, snorkelling and exploring are all possible just steps from the door, while bushwalks and other adventures are available close by. No devices necessary!

Bedding Configuration:
1 x Master Queen with en-suite
1 x Queen Bedroom
1 x Bunk room - The 4 bunks are king single.