Isola Gerroa
Evoking boutique Mediterranean hotels and the nostalgic ease of Australian beach houses, Isola Gerroa by LOWI Interiors is a sophisticated, sun-drenched retreat on the NSW South Coast.
Isola, meaning ‘island’ in Italian, is a fitting name for a home that feels suspended between sky and sea. Set on the headland above Gerroa’s Seven Mile Beach, the two-level residence captures the blissful, nostalgic feeling of summer holidays through its soft, sun-washed palette, natural materials and playful furnishings.
The building design was conceptualised by Sydney- and South Coast-based studio Design Ensemble. The facade, screened with slim white aluminium battens, contributes to the home’s dreamy sense of lightness while also providing privacy from the street. Stepping inside, the high gable roof and clever sightlines open to expansive views of the shimmering Pacific Ocean. Clerestory windows and carefully placed skylights draw natural light into the generous open-plan living spaces.
LOWI Interiors responded to the architecture by creating an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and relaxed. A sunlit palette of sandy neutrals, dusty pinks and olive greens reference the surrounding coastal landscape, while accents of natural stone and pale brick add depth and texture. On the upper level, the kitchen benchtops and splashback are finished in creamy Taj Mahal quartzite, its subtle gold veining picked up in the brushed brass tapware. Blonde ash flooring and seamless joinery keep the space feeling bright and airy.
The upstairs living area centres around a low travertine coffee table with large, rounded feet – a playful detail that is echoed in the plush armchair cushions. Gentle curves define much of the furnishings in this space – such as the oval timber dining table, dining chairs and sweeping sofa – bringing a calm sense of flow and movement. The natural stone feature wall behind the built-in bookshelf catches the eye with its tactile, organic shapes, mirroring the balcony’s limestone crazy paving.
The bedrooms are designed as quiet retreats, with simple and elegant detailing. Custom brickwork headboards are softened by sheer floor-to-ceiling curtains, spherical bedside lighting and bed linen in deep burgundy. This rich tone connects to the earthy, abstract artwork by Tiarna Herczeg, while other pieces throughout the house such as Rhys Cousins’ minimal, textured paintings and handmade ceramics by Alessandro Di Sarno add warmth and character. Meanwhile, the ensuites add a touch of luxury with lavish marble vanities, limestone batten flooring and blush-toned mosaic tiles.
Isola Gerroa’s outdoor areas are reminiscent of vintage Mediterranean beach clubs. The upper balcony is ringed by slim steel balustrades and furnished with striped daybeds and chunky terrazzo stools, alongside a hot tub positioned to take in the stunning ocean views. The lower-level infinity pool is surrounded by a garden of palm trees and sculptural succulents, with built-in seating and fringed yellow umbrellas adding to the summer vacation feel.
With LOWI Interiors’ refined yet relaxed touch, Isola Gerroa is a home made for soaking in golden hour, blurring the line between home and holiday.
Building design by Design Ensemble. Interior design by LOWI Interiors. Build by Lime Building Group. Landscape design by Exterior Architecture. Artwork by Rhys Cousins, Alessandro Di Sarno and Tiarna Herczeg.
