Our pick of the coast’s best beach houses, where deluxe is common but sometimes simplicity just works.

There’s a particular kind of self-satisfied feeling when you can walk from your couch to the sand without putting shoes on. We’re talking proper beachfront, the kind where the ocean is basically a fourth housemate.

Some of these places are big enough for three generations and a dog or two. Others are made for hiding away with someone you like, a good bottle of red and absolutely no plans. Either way, here’s our pick of the coast’s best beach houses, no two the same.

Umi at Boomerang, Boomerang Beach

Beachfront living with a beachfront bedroom, which means waking up to the Pacific Ocean without leaving the pillow. Multiple living spaces and a design that feels effortless rather than trying too hard. We’d stay in bed a while longer too.

Fishcakes, Seal Rocks

This award-winning architecturally designed holiday home gives you the wow factor at every turn. Overlooking Boat Beach with separate sleeping pavilions and a wind-protected central courtyard, it’s that daybed with endless views that will keep in your memory for years.

Black Diamond Beach House, Diamond Beach

Right on the sand with its own plunge pool and cabana, plus a pool table, pinball machine and a sauna for good measure. Bring the kids, bring the in-laws, bring whoever, there’s room and toys enough for everyone. This is the kind of house that makes you feel a bit flash even if you’re not.

12 Cliff Road, Forster

Not technically beachfront, but close enough that One Mile Beach feels like your own front yard. The views from the balcony do most of the heavy lifting here. Perfect for the days when you can’t decide between the beach and the couch, so you just watch the beach from the couch instead.

Annie’s at Blueys, Blueys Beach

Absolute beachfront with panoramic views and that understated coastal look everyone’s trying to copy on Pinterest. Private decks, indoor-outdoor living and enough seclusion to make you forget your phone exists. Magazine cover material, if magazines still did that sort of thing.

88 Sud, Boomerang Beach

Modern, sleek and sitting right on the water, with a 13 metre lap pool that puts most gyms to shame. It’s been in Vogue Living, which tells you everything about the finish. This is beachfront for people who like their luxury with clean lines.

Davies Cottage, Seal Rocks

Perched on the cliff near Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, inside the national park, with views over Boat Beach and Sugarloaf Bay that feel borrowed from a postcard. The path down to the beach is a little winding but this NPWS property is great for coastal admiring as well as dipping a toe. Bring a captain’s hat if you’ve got one, you’ll feel the part.

Seal Rocks Lighthouse Cottages, Seal Rocks

Yes, at the lighthouse itself. Built in 1825 and quietly brought up to modern comfort, these heritage cottages sit inside national park with views that stretch for days. It’s a glimpse of what this whole coastline once looked like, wild and mostly untouched. Wander down to Lighthouse Beach or just sit on the headland and watch the light change.

Know a beach house that deserves a spot on this list? Get in touch, we’re always adding to it.