Best beach houses in NSW: top 20 coastal properties from Coogee to Casuarina

From a ‘floating house’, to a castle-inspired mansion and a home that bends the laws of physics, these are NSW’s top 20 beach houses.

They’re the homes that are turning heads and hearts to the sea – the state’s best beach houses for seaside living and the ultimate bragging rights.

Whether it’s understated design or jaw-dropping views, we’ve ranked the most dazzling beach houses offering something for everyone.

It’s come as beachside homes remain a sought after commodity despite soaring interest rates.

McGrath Mosman agent Claudia Portale said many buyers saw beach homes as a stress reliever.

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“With traffic so bad these days, being able to easily duck down for a swim after work to clear your head is very appealing,” she said. “It’s a very holistic lifestyle … (It’s) like being on holiday every day of the week.”

Alexandra Clyde, with kids Isabella 13, Leonardo 11 and Marlow 7, are selling their Mosman house near the beach. Picture: Tim Hunter.

Mosman mum Alexandra Clyde said being able to live an active lifestyle was one of the best things about living near the beach. She and her family live a five-minute drive from Balmoral Beach but are selling their Mosman home to be even closer to the water.

“Nothing is better than a beachside house,” she said. “We’re looking to be within a short walking distance to give us that active lifestyle and give the kids freedom to go to the beach with their friends.”

TOP 20 BEACH HOUSES IN NSW

20. Lighthouse cottages, Seal Rocks

The location is hard to beat.

The Lighthouse cottages are on a remote peninsula overlooking jaw dropping Lighthouse Beach, 150km north of Newcastle. The famed cottages have unrivalled views and the surrounding sea cliffs are a popular whale watching spot.

19. Otsu House, Casuarina

The white house is next to the beach.

Set over two levels on a private 720 sqm beachfront parcel of land, Otsu House is a fusion of white render, engineered timber oak flooring and sleek lines. There’s even a rooftop garden to soak in the water views.

18. Seagrass House, Tathra

The house is nestled in the bush above a beach. Picture: Welsh + Major

Designed to complement the beauty of its forest setting on the south coast, the house’s unusual looking brick skin protects it from bushfires and allow for majestic sea breezes.

17. Wing House, Byron Bay

Byron Bay’s Wing House.

Footsteps from Wategos Beach, the Wing House was named Best Property at the International Property Awards 2014/15. The dramatic Wing-like 27.5m span roof and mix of timber, steel and glass make it the ultimate statement home.

16. The Esplanade, Cronulla

The Cronulla house sold in 2021.

The agents who sold this property for $7.4m in 2021 labelled it a “beachside paradise”. It’s easy to see why. The sun-drenched deck flocks directly to esplanade and ocean and the pool is a beauty.

15. Kallaroo Ave, Stanwell Park

The house has mesmerising views over Stanwell Park Beach.

The house has a multi-layered design.

Last sold for $2.9m in 2017, this Rob Brown-designed home is positioned at the south end of Stanwell Park Beach on the south coast and takes in the escarpment and ocean surrounds.

14. Agave, Wagstaffe

The Wagstaffe broke Central Coast price records.

A winner of numerous architectural awards, this seven-bedroom stunner has its own private sandy beach. It’s one of the priciest Central Coast properties ever sold, trading for $13.5m last year.

13. Basin Beach House, Mona Vale

The Mona Vale house has a surprise around every corner.

The bold design is a big talking point for passers by.

A twisted copper roof, concrete floors with Brass infill strips and a captivating timber frame combine in what’s one of Australia’s most unique beach houses.

12. Headland House, Gerringong

The Gerringong house was built by Bellevarde Constructions.

Designed by Atelier Andy Carson, this south coast house has three pavilions allowing telescopic views of Werri’s Beach. There’s even a “storm watching” room. Enough said.

11. Coogee Castle

The Coogee house was once a $6000 a night rental.

Medieval touches and beach living don’t usually mix but this house on the Coogee cliffs pulls it off. All rooms face the ocean and the infinity pool is a marvel all on its own.

10. Cove House, Cronulla

Cove House has direct access to Salmon Haul Bay and its swimming areas.

Selling for $14m in 2021, Cove House was designed by architect Reuben Lane. The four bedroom property has a colourful koi pond near the entry.

9. Nautilus, Burraneer

The house has a private sandy beach.

The Burraneer house was once up for sale for $50m-plus.

This six-storey home has seven bedrooms, 20 bathrooms, six kitchens, a commercial grade bar, bowling alley, gym, cellar, music room and parking for 20 cars. There’s also a private sandy beach. It was last listed for $50m+, but is no longer for sale.

8. Spaceship House, Casuarina

A previous owner had expressed interest in selling the house for cryto currency.

A futuristic style, punctuated with overhangs and custom-curved horizontal windows create a showstopping exterior. Inside there’s a soccer pitch. The property sold for $3.75m in 2021.

7. Wolseley Rd, Point Piper

The house has a unique back deck.

It’s set among the ultra exclusive homes of Point Piper.

There’s direct private access to Lady Martin Beach from this exquisite $36m residence. A lift services each level and a deck that rolls out directly over the sand provides a perfect spot to admire the surrounds.

6. Point House, Collaroy

The Beach Rd house was the most expensive ever sold in Collaroy when it traded in 2021.

Imagine waking up to that view?

With direct access to the sands of Collaroy Beach and a distinctive curved design that shelters the open areas from the elements, the $16m Point House by Peter Stutchbury Architecture has an ocean backdrop that can be viewed from every room.

5. Bellona, Palm Beach

'Bellona' in Palm Beach.

When this exclusive seven-bedroom mansion went up for sale last year, it did so with $40m plus expectations. ‘Bellona’ was completed about 20 years ago and has a Hamptons vibe and there’s even servants quarters.

4. Tree house, Palm Beach

A designer beach house in Palm Beach known as Palm Tree House. Picture credit: Richard Cole Architecture

Once a weather-damaged cottage, this reimagined beach house was designed by architect Richard Cole to appear part of the rainforest canopy. It showcases the organic curvature of the surrounding gum trees and sandstone slopes above Palm Beach through the careful placement of glass.

3. North Point Ave, Kingscliff

The Kingscliff home has something for everyone.

Designed by architect Paul Uhlmann, this trophy home is on a triple-sized block of beachfront land and makes the most of the 1,900sqm on offer with a full size tennis court and 18m resort-style pool. There’s also a circular double storey retreat connected to the main house through a tunnel-like hallway.

2. Floating house, Palm Beach

Palm Beach's iconic "floating house". Picture: @lilypadpalmbeach

The house is available as a short stay rental. Picture credit: @lilypadpalmbeach

‘Lilypad II’ at Palm Beach gives the appearance of a Mediterranean villa literally floating on the sea. The result is water views all around. The property has a luxurious living space and infra-red sauna. The house is available as short stay accommodation.

1. Blue Seas Pde, Lennox Head

The Lennox Head house was the viewed property on realestate.com.au last year.

The property remains up for sale.

The ocean features in nearly every room.

It’s easy to see why this was the most viewed NSW property on realestate.com.au last year. For sale at $20m-$21m, the five-bedroom ‘infinity’ house has a stone bath, privately imported Egyptian limestone floor tiles and sawn cut lava stone walls, plus a 10-person cinema, 13m pool, spa and gym.