The View – Saffire Seas Beachouse, Coffs Harbour

Sapphire Seas Beachhouse is a scenic stay, just north of Coffs Harbour on the NSW north coast. It’s just the kind of knock-out summer holiday home every Aussie hopes to one day afford to own for themselves.

Nuzzling up to the white sands of Sapphire Beach and tucked below a dramatic headland covered in sub-tropical rainforest, the property was built in 2003 by Jason Zuvela. It is now one of three luxury holiday rentals situated on his family-owned beachfront estate, and offers the perfect opportunity to “try before you buy”.

Not that the property’s for sale, but you never know, you might not like spending lazy days frolicking in the surf or cooking barbecues and drinking cocktails with your mates in the outdoor Balinese-inspired gazebo, pool and spa area. Not everyone’s cut out for that kind of lifestyle. Best to find that out up front.

In addition to waterfront views like the one above, Sapphire Seas has four bedrooms, four bathrooms and two living areas, comfortably accommodating up to eight guests. There’s also a private spa bath on a wide timber balcony overlooking the beach in the main bedroom, reserved for the couple who pulls into the driveway and races up the stairs first.

Beyond the glass pool fence, Sapphire Seas overlooks the Solitary Islands Marine Park. You can hop on one of many local tours to explore the protected waters and catch a glimpse of the resident wildlife, including turtles and dolphins. You might even spot a migrating humpback whale as pods pass through between June and October.

But if you’re more of a landlubber, Dorrigo National Park is a short drive out of town and features a 40-foot waterfall, skywalk and many bushwalking tracks. Or for something closer to home, the iconic Coffs Harbour’s Big Banana is just two kilometres from the beach house. It wouldn’t be a proper Aussie holiday if you didn’t stop to have your photo taken in front of a Big Thing.