Stunning Black-Clad Coastal Home Rises from Bushfire Ashes in Malua Bay
A dramatic coastal property in Malua Bay on the New South Wales South Coast has hit the market, showcasing a remarkable transformation from bushfire devastation to architectural triumph. Perched on a 2.19-hectare bush block overlooking McKenzies Beach, this striking home offers uninterrupted ocean views and a sophisticated black aesthetic that contrasts boldly with the surrounding landscape.
From Concrete Slabs to Coastal Sanctuary
It is hard to imagine that just a few years ago, the area at 651 George Bass Drive was ravaged by bushfire, leaving only concrete slabs and a pool husk from the original property. In 2020, the site was sold to a couple from the Southern Highlands who embarked on an ambitious rebuild project. Their vision was to create a home that met their family's practical needs while honouring the emotional significance of recovery and renewal.
Local design-and-build company Perrem responded with a sprawling, two-pavilion design. The main pavilion houses the parents' quarters, while a smaller, separate pod accommodates adult children during university breaks, ensuring both privacy and versatility.
Bold Design and Natural Integration
While many newer Australian coastal builds favour white, grey, and neutral tones, this home stands apart with a confident black aesthetic. Black cladding on both the exterior and interior is expertly paired with polished concrete floors and high plywood ceilings, striking a balance between modern edge and organic comfort.
Agent Sarah Ralston of Belle Property Batemans Bay notes the home, completed in late 2023, makes an enticing first impression. "It's a very calming property, and when you walk inside, you're immediately struck by the view of the ocean," she says. "Because of its elevated setting away from the road, it also feels incredibly private."
Uninterrupted Views and Indoor-Outdoor Living
The design prioritises the environment as the protagonist. Large windows and glass doors flood the central pavilion with natural light, framing unobstructed views over the landscape toward Jimmies Island. The main-bedroom suite, complete with a walk-in wardrobe and en suite, shares this pavilion with the kitchen and open-plan dining and living area.
"It has been designed in a way to really capture the views from every possible area," Ralston explains. "Once it's all opened up, that indoor-outdoor feel is very evident. It's a real feature of the property."
Entertainment Hub and Separate Accommodation
The kitchen is an ideal hosting space, featuring black stone with marbled white veining on an enormous island and benchtops, contrasted by lighter-toned, touch-free matt cabinets. High-end appliances include an induction cooktop, a 600-millimetre oven, a convection oven-microwave, and a Billi tap for instant boiling or chilled water. A unique bar area with 20-litre kegs, fillable at nearby Broulee Brewhouse, adds a distinctive touch.
This entertainment hub flows directly onto the terrace and in-ground pool, offering a sanctuary for days when the beach is best enjoyed from a distance. Past a rear courtyard, the second pavilion provides three bedrooms (one with an en suite), a second bathroom, and a lounge area, accessed by an external flight of stairs for distinct separation.
"This separate pod for families to come and stay was designed in a way that is quite different to anything else that we've seen in this area," Ralston says.
Versatile Acreage with Livestock Potential
The property is also suited for boutique livestock or equestrian pursuits. The current owners breed goats and will include a couple of alpacas in the sale to an interested buyer. Secure fencing, multiple paddocks, water infrastructure including tanks and troughs, and three sheds add versatility, with one configured as a home office or studio.
Secluded Yet Connected Location
Despite its secluded feel, 651 George Bass Drive is remarkably connected. Ralston highlights its proximity to local shops within minutes and Batemans Bay town centre just 15 minutes away. "Moruya airport is also less than a 15-minute drive away where flights to Sydney depart on a daily basis," she adds.
For those seeking the rare combination of acreage, ocean views, and high-end design, this property delivers a turnkey solution for a relaxed coastal lifestyle, symbolising resilience and renewal in the heart of the South Coast.
