When designer Aimee McKechnie came across what is now The Shore at Gerringong, a boutique holiday property on the NSW South Coast, it was a far cry from how stands today.
"It was an '80s tiled beast!" laughs Aimee. Going on to describe the home's state of almost dilapidation, she highlights the salt erosion, excessive use of cold tiles, threadbare blue carpet, and circular checker plate bar. However, the biggest crime in her mind was the home's orientation, which, instead of taking advantage of the available ocean views, faced the kitchen toward the road. "I've never seen anything like it," she says.
Though, as anyone blessed with a design-oriented mind should, Aimee saw past what was and went straight to what could be, drawn to the property's beautiful northern light, raked ceiling, and large balcony. "This, combined with the ocean and mountain views meant it didn't really matter what the internals looked like. I just knew it had great bones and we could create something special."
For Aimee, who as a designer is constantly seeking new projects, Gerringong was always a dream location, with its proximity to Sydney, thriving community, and sublime coastal qualities. "The landscape still takes my breath away every time I drive around the Kiama bends and see Werri Beach to the left - the lush green headlands meeting the ocean is just picture perfect." So, for her, the decision to say "yes" to the project was an easy one to make.
Being both the client and designer for the first time brought with it both a sense of freedom and responsibility for Aimee, whose aim was to create a holiday home slash sometimes-guest-rental that exuded a "warm minimal with a Mediterranean influence" vibe. Armed with her husband Blair (who works in commercial construction), a personal brief, and a keen eye for interior and landscape design, the couple completely managed the whole process themselves. "We live two hours away and both work full time, so it was great to have two of us involved and able to share the load of being onsite at least twice a week," she says.
But make no mistake - despite a small (but mighty) management team, this was no simple cosmetic transformation. All windows and doors were replaced with low e-glass to aid insultation and louvres installed to allow cross-ventilation. "The secondary benefit of this type of glass is the reduction in noise, so if the kids playground or perhaps the surf club is getting a little rowdy you can close the windows and not hear a thing. Combine this with sheer curtains for every room and it feels like you're in a cocoon!" says Aimee.
Upstairs, striking cathedral ceilings now set a stage for mountain and ocean views, which pour in from all aspects. "I wanted to encourage connection and conversation so instead of a TV there is a super comfortable sofa and armchairs, a fireplace, ambient lighting and Sonos speakers," says Aimee of the space. Each bedroom acts as its own mini-retreat, luxuriously tiled in heated travertine and fitted out with beautiful vanities and tapware. "Even the smallest ensuite is so lovely to get ready in."
When it came to inclusions, it was a matter of asking herself what her own 'musts' were when it came to luxury holiday accommodation, which meant that a big island bench, fireplace, underfloor heating and an ensuite for every bedroom were absolute non-negotiables. "Those are the things that I love when I'm on holiday because they all contribute to the feeling of being relaxed while communal. Everyone gravitates to the kitchen to socialise but then you can retreat to your own space at the end of the day," explains Aimee.
A consideration of the property's locale and strong community sense was also paramount: "In all of my projects I'm quite passionate about showcasing Australian artists and craftspeople, so a lot of the furniture and art was sourced locally," she says. "I always try to steer our holidays toward somewhere that has a really considered fit out, so I wanted to offer that same kind of experience to others for their getaways."
As with any coastal holiday home, the exterior was just as vital as the interior for Aimee and Blair, who spent a lot of time redesigning the outdoor space to allow for all things quintessential Aussie holiday; ball games, a large entertainer's area and lush pool area - plus, the all-important outdoor shower. "We added stadium seating to the deck which flows seamlessly through the pool fencing into the enclosure and acts as another seating area. The new fencing affords this area so much privacy and adds to the resort like feeling I wanted to achieve."
Though undeniably luxurious in its European-summer-like state, Aimee remains humble about the purpose of The Shore at Gerringong, describing it as a place for families to come together, spend time, make memories, and relax.
"Since we opened in July 2020 we've had so many wonderful guests that have created their own wonderful moments and memories during their stay and it's really lovely to be a small part of that, watching from the sidelines."
Already on the hunt for another project, it can certainly be said that Aimee's ambitious undertaking of the project reflects her motivation at large. "Hopefully we'll find one soon!" she exclaims. "I've loved the whole experience - it's quite a different process from designing clients homes. I would love to do it again if the right property came up."
You can find out more or book your stay at theshoreatgerringong.com.au or @theshoreatgerringong. Interior design was by Curated and Made, who can be found at curatedandmade.com.au and @curatedandmade. Photography was by The Palm Co at @thepalmco.