
When viewing this spectacular house perched on a coastal bush block overlooking McKenzies Beach in Malua Bay, it’s hard to imagine that only a few short years ago, the area had been ravaged by bushfire. In the aftermath, all that remained of the original property at 651 George Bass Drive was concrete slabs and a pool husk.
Placed on the market in 2020, the 2.19-hectare site was sold to a couple from the Southern Highlands who embarked on a project that would not only meet the practical needs of their family but also honour the emotional significance of rebuilding.
The response to their brief by local design-and-build company Perrem was a sprawling, striking home comprising two pavilions – one for the parents and a smaller one for their adult children to return to during university breaks.

While white, grey and neutral tones are common in newer builds along Australian coastlines, this home stands in bold contrast. A confident black aesthetic defines the property, creating a sophisticated silhouette against surrounding bushland.
Black cladding, chosen for both the exterior and interior, is expertly paired with polished concrete floors and high plywood ceilings, striking a balance between modern edge and organic comfort.
Agent Sarah Ralston of Belle Property Batemans Bay says the home, completed at the end of 2023, makes an enticing first impression.
“It’s a very calming property and when you walk inside, you’re immediately struck by the view of the ocean,” she says. “Because of its elevated setting away from the road, it also feels incredibly private.”

The design ensures the environment is the protagonist. Large windows and glass doors allow natural light to flood the central pavilion, which houses the main-bedroom suite – complete with a walk-in wardrobe and en suite – alongside the kitchen and open-plan dining and living area.
These expansive glass walls frame unobstructed views over the landscape out toward Jimmies Island.
“It has been designed in a way to really capture the views from every possible area,” Ralston says. “Once it’s all opened up, that indoor-outdoor feel is very evident. It’s a real feature of the property.”
At one end of the pavilion sits a kitchen that’s ideal for hosting. Black stone with marbled white veining covers an enormous island and benchtops, contrasted by lighter-toned, touch-free matt cabinets. The high-end fit-out includes an induction cooktop, a 600-millimetre oven, a convection oven-microwave, and a Billi tap for instant boiling or chilled water.

Adding a unique touch is a bar area featuring 20-litre kegs, which can be filled at nearby Broulee Brewhouse.
This entertainment hub flows directly onto the terrace and the in-ground pool, offering a sanctuary for days when the beach is best enjoyed from a distance.
Privacy and versatility are core to the home’s layout. Past a rear courtyard, the second pavilion offers three bedrooms (one with an en suite), a second bathroom, and a lounge area. Accessed by an external flight of stairs, it provides distinct separation from the main pavilion.
“This separate pod for families to come and stay was designed in a way that is quite different to anything else that we’ve seen in this area,” Ralston says.

The property is also suited for boutique livestock or equestrian pursuits. The owners currently breed goats and will even include a couple of alpacas in the sale to an interested buyer. There’s secure fencing, multiple paddocks, and water infrastructure, including tanks and troughs. Three sheds add versatility, with one currently configured as a home office/studio.
Despite its secluded feel, 651 George Bass Drive is remarkably connected. Ralston says it would be ideal for a buyer who wants to be only a few minutes from the local shops or 15 minutes from the Batemans Bay town centre.
“Moruya airport is also less than a 15-minute drive away where flights to Sydney depart on a daily basis,” she says.
For those seeking the rare trifecta of acreage, ocean views and high-end design, this property delivers a turnkey solution for a relaxed coastal lifestyle.
