Island House
A remote, design-led retreat for just eight guests on Lord Howe Island, Island House combines art, food and adventure with an immersive, highly personal approach to luxury.
Located 600km off Australia’s east coast, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island is truly something extraordinary. Here, the iconic, rugged peak of Mount Gower rises above pristine beaches, subtropical forests and crystalline bays. This crescent-shaped paradise also limits visitors to just 400 at a time, offering every traveller an exclusive and intimate escape.
“We wanted to create a space that would endure for generations, with every design choice reflecting our vision for both inspiration and longevity.”
Immersed in this incredible landscape, Island House offers an utterly unique experience that brings together architecture, art, food and adventure. Created by father-and-son duo Michael and Timothy Maxwell in collaboration with Derive Architecture and Design, the project sits as two distinct residences – North House and South House – alongside a shared alfresco pavilion, all positioned within a lush forest of Kentia palms and centuries-old banyan trees.
Island House sits on elevated platforms, which allows the buildings to “float” above the terrain while preserving the delicate ecosystem beneath. Hardwood cladding, copper roofing, solid oak flooring and marble tiles form the backbone of the material palette, selected for their durability and ability to age gracefully. “We wanted to create a space that would endure for generations, with every design choice reflecting our vision for both inspiration and longevity,” says Michael Maxwell.
The two houses are separated and screened for privacy yet remain connected through a shared garden and central gathering area. The residences’ soaring 4.2-metre ceilings, expansive decks and generous skylights allow for a breezy exchange between indoors and out. Visitors can even bathe outdoors in their own private copper bathtubs surrounded by nature, or book massages and yoga sessions in the alfresco pavilion.
Each house is furnished with authentic mid-century Danish pieces, personally sourced in Copenhagen. Pieces by Poul Kjærholm, Hans Wegner, Finn Juhl and Arne Vodder sit comfortably within the timber-lined interiors. Pops of playfulness and colour – like the custom-built orange island bench inspired by Danish sculptor Ib Geertsen – give Island House its unique personality. Visitors can also find high-fidelity audio systems, musical instruments and curated libraries, highlighting the Maxwells’ attention to the smallest detail.
Art is integral to the stay. Island House holds one of the largest privately curated collections of Indigenous Australian art, displayed throughout both residences. For Timothy Maxwell, this aspect of the project is particularly dear to him. “Art has been a personal journey,” he explains. “We attended the Darwin Art Fair to meet directly with artists and communities. These connections have shaped Island House profoundly.” Works by artists such as Regina Pilawuk Wilson and Mick Namarari Tjapaltjarri sit pride of place, while the “Kuun” ochre of Katjarra Butler’s paintings echoes the vibrant yellow hues of the Arne Vodder sideboard.
This sense of immersion extends well beyond the interiors. Island House is designed to engage guests with the island itself, offering a suite of outings for adventurous travellers. A dedicated equipment room allows for spontaneous exploration, from snorkelling and paddleboarding to trail running and surfing. Guided tours – like mountain hikes and underwater excursions – provide deeper access to the island’s unique ecosystems.
Food, too, plays a central role. In-house chef Kimie Uemoto brings a Japanese sensibility to local produce, creating meals that prioritise freshness and seasonality. Whether dining within the house, outdoors or at a remote island location, the experience is tailored and intimate. A daily chef-prepared meal is complemented by a ‘Curate to Cook’ offering, where guests are provided with carefully selected ingredients to prepare for themselves.
Importantly, this level of amenity reflects a broader commitment to conscious travel. The Maxwells’ wider initiatives on the island, including Lord Howe Island Brewery – one of the world’s most remote and environmentally conscious breweries – and greenhouse project The Nursery, which supports local agriculture, reinforce this dedication to both the community and the environment.
Island House is at the forefront of a new era of mindful luxury travel, where sustainability, cultural authenticity and bespoke experiences come together to create a transformative nourishing and purposeful retreat.
