The Zenith review, Port Stephens, Shoal Bay: Upscale beach house with million-dollar water views

THE PLACE

The Newcastle-based owners of this sprawling, luxury beach house worked with a local stylist to achieve a relaxed, coastal feel for the four-bedroom property named after its rugged namesake, Zenith Beach. Its elevated north-east aspect affords sweeping vistas over Shoal Bay beach and Port Stephens waterways, best enjoyed at sunset on the deck with a glass of wine in hand. Expect daily visits from friendly kookaburras.

THE LOCATION

The Zenith is located in Shoal Bay, boasting one of Port Stephens' best stretches of white sand beach, around three hours drive from Sydney or 30 minutes from Newcastle's Williamtown Airport. A 10-minute walk from this new holiday listing, which abuts Tomaree National Park, will have you at the beach. Take a bush trail to either Shoalhaven Beach or the (unpatrolled) Zenith Beach, or walk via the road. In a car it's a two-minute drive.

THE ROOM

There are four spacious, light-filled bedrooms to choose from. However, the apartment-sized master bedroom is the pick with king-size bed, walk-in wardrobe and ensuite with freestanding tub and waterfall shower. It was a joy to wake to filtered bay views through towering gum trees. My mum, meanwhile, sleeps in one of the queen-size bedrooms (downstairs there are three bedrooms: two with queen-size beds and the third with two singles and two trundle beds; all share a bathroom) which opens to a deck even larger than the one upstairs. This is a house for large gatherings. There's a fully equipped kitchen with coffee pod, dishwasher, comfy leather lounge, smart TVs and 10-seater dining table. The upstairs deck which runs the width of the house has a stylish outdoor lounge, outdoor dining and a barbecue. All bedrooms have water views.

THE FOOD

It's BYO almost everything apart from select pantry staples and a small starter pack of essentials such as dishwasher tablets, so stock up before you arrive. Port Stephens now offers some terrific dining options, including the refurbished Shoal Bay Country Club (SBCC) which is within walking distance. Order the prawn linguini and a jug of sangria and head for the sunny terrace with its yellow-and-white striped awnings and stellar bay views. You can't beat a morning dip in the calm waters of Shoal Bay before taking a seat with sandy feet at SBCC's retro Mermaid's Cafe. Opt for the healthy brekkie bowl and a triple berry smoothie.

STEPPING OUT