Kiah by Contemporary Hotels

It only takes one look to know that this spectacular home perched above Whale Beach is something special. From the street level, you enter from the driveway (with one off street car space available) ascending a wooden staircase wrapped in tangled climbing plants, emerging onto a bottom level featuring a home gym and living area. This is a marvellous place to kick back on your own or work up a sweat while drinking in the Pacific Ocean panorama.

Ascending another flight of greenery-clad stairs, you enter into the house proper via full length sliding doors from the front deck. You'll immediately be struck by the tasteful design, with blonde floorboards and whitewashed cabinetry bringing to mind the tasteful seaside homes of Europe and North America. Featuring various bedrooms, an indoor/outdoor living space, magnificent views and a study nook, this level can also function as a rumpus room or kids escape.

Up another set of stairs, past original artworks and mirrors reflecting the deep blue of the sea, you find yourself in the main living area. This space is designed to be opened to the sun and salty breezes, with a spacious balcony looking directly onto Whale Beach. If the weather is looking dark and stormy, you'll be able to enjoy the sandstone fireplace. Either way, the state-of-the-art kitchen with marble benches and a huge island is ideal for preparing family meals and looks onto a unique atrium enclosing the monolithic sandstone hillside.

But it doesn't stop. There's one more level to go: a colossal outdoor living area/deck with a full outdoor kitchen and dining area including a fire pit and terraced garden featuring succulents and sub-tropical plants. This is the space that brings everyone together, a place to appreciate the sweeping view and enjoy the best beach getaway of your life.

What the owner loves
Kiah is a labour of love. Fully renovated by high-end contractors and a squad of interior designers, it is a truly unique offering. It's the personal touches that matter: the gym space overlooking the water, the fireplaces, the hammock on the deck, the books and the art. This is a space designed to make you feel at home, crafted with families and relaxation in mind. By the end of your time here, you'll wish it really was your home.

What we love
We've never had another property like Kiah. But we know the Northern Beaches, and we know it's the perfect place for a summer getaway. Whale Beach is an exclusive and much sought-after destination, an oasis of luxury on the northern end of Pittwater. The golden sand beach itself is just a short walk down the hill, so heading out for a dip or a surf (or just your morning coffee and croissant) is no hassle at all. Major retailers are close by at Avalon and Sydney is an hour's drive, yet you feel like you're far from the worries and cares of the world.

What the creative traveller loves
This is a home that celebrates and encourages thought and creativity. The owner has filled the space with carefully chosen artworks, predominantly produced by local female artists. On the walls you'll find paintings, hanging and photographs by Akila Berajoui, Heidi Middleton, Jules Adams and many others, works chosen to complement the spectacular landscape while prompting contemplation. It's not only the art: many of the fixtures, pieces of furniture and other objects come from female artisans and retailers. Kiah is sure to stimulate your aesthetic senses. And if inspiration strikes, you can always head to the study nook downstairs or (even better) get to work en plein air on the deck overlooking the ocean.

Bedroom Configuration:
Master bedroom - King bedroom
Second bedroom - Queen bedroom
Third bedroom - Queen bedroom
Fourth bedroom - Bunk bedroom