Dive in: Mollymook Beach.Credit: Alamy
You too can enjoy the famous chef's holiday house, writes Nikki Marshall.
A milestone birthday my mother would run miles to avoid is coming up fast. Let's not get into exact figures here. Suffice to say the epithet "elderly" might be (unfairly) bandied about. The woman needs spoiling!
We decide to take her away for the weekend; somewhere large, luxurious, close to Sydney and - here's the kicker - pet-friendly. She couldn't be happy if she thought the "boys", our two black labradors, were miserable without her. We also want somewhere suitable for the girls, her adored "god-granddaughters".
The giant jacuzzi at Rick's Place in Mollymook.Credit: Belinda Russell
I scour short-stay websites but it seems for the most part, "luxurious" and "pet-friendly" are mutually exclusive terms. One grand place holds itself out as pet-friendly because there's a kennel up the road.
Then I hit the jackpot. Rick's Place in Mollymook is a five-bedroom, five-bathroom beach house owned by British chef Rick Stein and his Australian wife Sarah. They only make it there about six times a year, so the rest of the time it's available for let through Bannisters, the boutique hotel a few doors away that is home to Stein's eponymously named restaurant.
Set on a cliff-top, the house looks out to the sea on one side and a bush reserve on another. Built out of Californian redwood in 1965, it's a local landmark. The Steins bought it in 2009 and set about updating it, striving to keep its '60s vibe intact.
The kitchen designed by Rick Stein.Credit: Nikki Marshall
From the moment we arrive, a sense of peace and space settles over us. Magnificent verandahs run all around the home, all the better to take in those ocean views.
Inside, right by the entrance, is a portrait I presume to be of Chalky, the Jack Russell who appeared on Rick's television shows. We've come to the right place.
And so we explore. Upstairs, the entrance hall opens up to chic, relaxed living and dining areas with a wood fire between them. Around the corner is the kitchen, complete with an overhead TV for cooking demonstrations.
As one would expect, it's lavishly equipped. (The piece of equipment we come to appreciate most is the second dishwasher: amazing how quickly those things fill up when you're feeding a crowd.)
Down the hall is the main bedroom with its original en suite, two queen bedrooms, two bathrooms and an extra kids' room with bunk beds. One of the bathrooms also has its bonkers original tiling; the other's more subtle modern mosaic was chosen to chime with that retro vibe.
Downstairs is a rumpus room and kitchenette, another main bedroom and en suite, and another queen bedroom and bathroom. The floors can be rented separately.
Outside is the jewel in the crown, a giant jacuzzi built from a water tank. Rick's notes to renters say: "We're told it's the second biggest in Australia. Have fun!"
And fun we have - the girls change into their swimmers the second they see it. Two others in our party would love to jump in, too. The dogs just can't understand why we won't share our spa.
After the swim and a sunset stroll on the rocks behind the house, it's time to turn up the heat in the jacuzzi. Plastic tumblers are filled with champagne. Stars are gazed at. It's a heady combination.
The next morning I manage a sleep-in but am told by the gang gathered on the deck that I missed a spectacular sunrise.
As the day goes on my plans to explore Mollymook fall away. I'm under the spell of this luxurious house. It's truly comfortable. All the bedrooms are large and face the sea. There are so many places to sit and read, or just sit and look out over the ocean.
All too soon it's time for the birthday dinner. The girls are young and my father isn't very mobile so we put off a meal in Rick's restaurant until another visit and head to the Pool Bar at Bannisters for cocktails and pizzas. Back at home we cut the cake, an ice cream and toffee creation worthy of Rick's kitchen.
As we settle back into the spa for more star-gazing we marvel that we've found the perfect beach retreat and plot our return.
TRIP NOTES
WHERE Rick's Place, Cliff Avenue, Mollymook.
GETTING THERE Three-hour drive south of Sydney.
HOW MUCH From $1000 a night for the full house Sunday-Thursday; $2000 Friday and Saturday (minimum stay three nights); $5000 a week.
PERFECT FOR Groups of up to 10.
SHAME ABOUT The 4pm check-in felt a little too late for us.
KUDOS Simple, stunning renovation.
TAKE THE KIDS? Definitely.
MORE INFORMATION visitnsw.com; bannisters.com.au; stayz.com.au.
The writer was a guest of Rick's Place and Destination NSW.
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