mediaThe Whiteley from Sarah Homes is all about meeting the needs of today’s holiday home owners.
Words John Merriman
Forget the two-bedroom holiday shack the whole family used to squeeze into during the summer break. Today’s "getaway" owners are savvy buyers who want functional, contemporary designs to enhance their holiday experience as well as their investment.
Sarah Homes marketing manager Helen Lowrie says extra accommodation was the number-one priority with holiday homes designs.
"People want four bedrooms which, when fitted with bunks, can sleep a lot of people," she says.
"It is more common for families to holiday with other friends today, so space is a big issue. In this design, there is a casual living area downstairs for children to entertain themselves, while adults can enjoy the upstairs space."
The two storeys home has two balcony aspects, making sure all available views are maximized.
Extensive decking on the second level provides plenty of outdoor entertaining space.
"People are simply building bigger holiday homes," Helen says. "Their needs have changed from the days of tiny little shacks with one lounge. People building them today want them to be comfortable but obviously not outrageously expensive."
She says the Whiteley is a prime example and is a contemporary-styled, light-filled home.
"There are warm chocolate colours in the home that add to the style while practical considerations, such as tiled flooring are also included," she says.
"The extra-large tiles give a nice feel about the home and come in handy if you live close to the beach and sand and dirt are constantly getting tracked into the home."
The main bedroom is on the second level with its own ensuite and wardrobe. A powder room, kitchen, meals and living area complete the design. "There is plenty of glass around the home to take advantage of any views," Helen says.
"Also there are two distinct living areas on the balcony. This allows people to avoid one particular area if it is getting too hot or is exposed to poor weather conditions."
The ground level houses three double sized bedrooms, ensuring plenty of space for children and their friends who stay over.
Two of the bedrooms include built-in wardrobes and each room has a window so any views form the ground floor can be enjoyed as well as keeping the rooms light and bright.
A large casual living area also gives the children their own entertaining area with a sliding glass door opening to the outside. A bathroom with separate toilet also includes a handy linen cupboard with a laundry including outdoor access completing the ground floor design. "The double sized bedrooms and extra living area really gives kids their own space," Helen says.
The upstairs kitchen has a glass splashback, overhead cupboards, breakfast bar and large walk-in pantry.
Sliding glass door lead outside to the deck from the casual meals area.
For more information about the house in this story please look at the Whiteley 2 Storey product page.