1 Murcutt – Magney House, Bingie
18 years before Glenn Murcutt won the world’s top gong for architects, the Pritzker Prize, he designed a neat little three-bedroom house for a remote farm on the South Coast. A fairly straightforward steel portal frame structure from the outside, but to quote Mies Van der Rohe, “God is in the detail”. The carefully executed steel detailing on this house would even give Mies Van der Rohe heart palpitations. Once upon a time, the architect would pore over details like carved stone architraves around doorways and window frames. Modernism eschewed such fancies for streamlines and structural gymnastics. Book a week – you’ll need it to sketch all the careful steel details! Visit www.airbnb.com.au
2 Seidler – Berman House, Southern Highlands
Speaking of the modernist movement, Harry Seidler was one of its greatest early pundits in Australia. Unless you have a fair whack of spare coin to drop, you won’t be sneaking a peak at the Bermann House. One of the most dramatic locations for a house, it rivals Fallingwater by Frank Lloyd Wright, by being perched over a steep rocky canyon. While its stark white wave-like forms contrast to the surrounding landscape, the pool and gardens integrate into the rocky terrain to anchor it firmly to the canyon top. Drive your Aston Martin (or hire one) to get the full James Bond effect. Visit www.stayz.com.au
3 Unknown Designer – Bel-Air, Berry
While the designer of this Art Deco, mid-20th-century gem (pictured) is unknown, its relatively intact architectural form has placed it on Shoalhaven Council’s heritage register. Among the Victorian and Federation-era cottages of the quaint town of Berry, this building really stands out. Now simpled titled Belairberry, it really is designed for parties with its large built-in bar and window seating, outdoor terraces and lush landscaping. Originally built by local veterinarian George Borys in the 1950s, its retro charm will have you doing the swing and getting down like Elvis. Visit www.belairberry.com
4 Dodds & Zuccon – Ocean Farm, Gerringong
The Gerringong coastline has seen a number of amazing architecturally designed homes, but most are privately owned and inaccessible unless you’re good friends with billionaires. There are a couple available for rent but my pick would be the Ocean Farm, originally built in 1983 and designed by Sydney architect Espie Dodds. Whilst its exterior is in a more traditional architectural approach, the interiors, art collection and the infinity pool make this house uber-special. Well appointed with a level of Vogue Living chic, the house still feels comfortable and lived in. Visit oceanfarm.com.au
5 James Barnet – Montague Island Lightstation, Montague Island
Not keen on modern architecture? Stay at an 19th-century lighthouse station with the only access by boat. The Montague Island Lighthouse, the Head Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage and Assistant Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage were designed by colonial architect James Barnet. Typical of colonial architecture, the two dwellings have a central entry via deep verandahs and a symmetrical front elevation. It’s more than a little bit spooky here – the isolation being a key factor in that – but it also has incredible wildlife watching and star-gazing. Visit www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
