Quality craftsmanship dazzles at high-end Ocean Grove new build

News.com.au

08-06-2025

This luxurious architectural home oozing contemporary coastal cool may seem a world away from Ocean Grove's beach shacks of old.
But if you look closely, you can find the odd reference to the town's traditional timber and fibro houses in among the new build's sleek high-end finishes.
It's there in the entrance hall where builder Michael Leake has used humble weatherboards to create something special in the form of a sculptural curved wall.
'I took the notion that we came down to the beach and we built timber or fibro cement shacks because it was cheap and readily available and I've turned it inside out,' he says.
'I've used those finishes internally so it's a timber weatherboard that I've stood vertically – it's an ode to yesterday.'
The new five-bedroom, four-bathroom house at 57 The Terrace, Ocean Grove, is a masterclass in quality craftsmanship that draws on the combined talents of the builder's ML Constructions, Splinter Society architect Chris Stanley and interiors whiz Rebecca Boykett.
Mr Leake says the brief was to maximise panoramic ocean and Barwon Heads bluff views from the 709sq m property's hillside position while creating secluded, warm open space.
This is achieved by wrapping the upper level of the house around a central north-facing outdoor area featuring a self-cleaning swimming pool.
Externally, the builder lent into his love of unfinished, durable materials – recycled timbers and copper that require no maintenance – to clad the solid concrete structure.
Inside, a curved stone feature wall that divides the dining and living areas is complemented by European oak joinery, oak flooring, natural marble surfaces and pure wool carpets.
Curves make regular appearances, in the island kitchen bench, in doorways, skylights, decks and even the striking hearth finished with traditional white set plaster that surrounds the lounge's open fireplace.
The house is largely set on one level, save for a four-car garage with electric car charging and a an self-contained bedroom/office with its own ensuite and external access on the entry level.
A lift provides easy access to the main living hub upstairs where you could lose hours gazing at the expansive ocean views.
Stacker sliding doors link the central kitchen, fitted with premium Miele appliances, to the sheltered private deck overlooking the swimming pool and landscaped gardens.
A second rumpus room is privately zoned with four further bedrooms at the rear of the house.
Two of these bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms, including the main suite which also includes luxurious his and her walk-in wardrobes and direct pool access.
'It's really important to maintain the outside connection so we have got a view from the master bedroom so when you lie in bed you can see the ocean,' Mr Leake says.
Bellarine Property agent Christian Bartley is handling the sale of 57 The Terrace, Ocean Grove.
Price hopes are $4.5m to $4.9m.