Scandinavian Timber House Torquay | Meet The Makers
3 BEDROOMS | 2.5 BATHROOM
Rates start from $850 (AUD) per night
The Scandinavian Timber Beach House is located in Torquay, the gateway to The Great Ocean road. The timber cabin home was designed and built by husband and wife duo Damien and Rebecca Leijer. This wonderful home embraces charming coastal elements and provides a peaceful seaside escape.
We had a chat with Rebecca as part of our Meet The Makers series.
What's the inspiration behind this wonderful home?
We ultimately wanted to create a forever home, a place where our kids can grow and thrive, and in time enjoy it with their own family. We approached the space with a mindset of keeping things simple yet creating spaces that are well considered. We wanted the home to be calming, comfortable and ultimately timeless.
We chose light colours that don’t date and focused on materials that age gracefully. That’s one of the reasons why we used timber throughout the home. It provides warmth and individuality. As you can probably see, over time the exterior cladding has silvered, taking on a wonderful character of its own. That goes also for other elements of the home. For instance the terracotta tiles bring soul and warmth to the kitchen, having matured they’ve taken on a rustic Italian style. We absolutely love it.
A big part of the move to Torquay was the lifestyle and location. Where we built captures that perfectly. The home is located on the most idyllic street. The neighbours all know one another. This also informed the design of the home – the home doesn’t hide behind a large fence, instead we embrace the streetscape. The kids can come and go, we sit on the front veranda, enjoying a drink as the neighbours pop by to say hello. There’s a lovely community feel.
What do guests love most about the experience?
Guests feel immediately relaxed. It’s a combination of the location and space. We’re close to the beach so you can take a swim, head back to the house, taking a quick pit-stop via the outdoor shower. The home’s location also means there’s no need to drive anywhere. It’s a privilege to be in such a special location and guests love it.
Even though we have thought carefully about the space and furnishings it’s not a precious home – it’s meant to be enjoyed and create a sense of homely relaxation.
What brings you most joy about the home and the space?
The main part of the home is just beautiful. After I wake up, as I enter the main area of the home, I’m always struck by how wonderful the space is – the pitched roof, sun shining through the windows and the calming colour palette. It’s such a tranquil space that brings me a sense of joy every time.
I also love how the main area of the home has little zones. We spend an inordinate amount of time around the oversized island bench and when I have a bit of downtime you can catch me relaxing in the reading nook. It provides another perspective to the room, to look up from and enjoy the timber ceiling.
If you could invite anyone to dinner at Scandinavian Timber House Torquay who would it be and why?
How interesting! Being a designer I’d say Lucy Feagins from The Design Files and Simone Haag. I absolutely love what they do. Having a chance to sit there, pick their brains on all things design would be a pure delight.
Scandinavian Timber Beach House Torquay | Your hosts – Damien and Rebecca Leijer
Originally from Ireland, Rebecca moved to Australia with her partner Damien who’s originally from Torquay. Rebecca has employed her professional expertise as an interior designer and stylist, combined with Damien’s background in carpentry to create The Scandinavian Timber House.
Felix Crescent was always Damien’s favourite street, being one street behind Fishermans Beach, the area fully embraces the beach lifestyle. When the opportunity came up to purchase a place on Felix Crescent the couple jumped at the opportunity.
Scandinavian Timber Beach House Torquay is a 3 bedroom coastal retreat. Minimalist Scandinavian design meets coastal elements to create a peaceful and inviting beach home. With clean lines, soft colours, light timber features, all located only 150 metres from Fishermans Beach and the picturesque coastline, it provides a wonderful coastal escape.
Home: Scandinavian Timber Beach House Torquay
Photography: Dylan James
