Home Tour: Step Inside Beautiful Gerringong Accommodation The Pause

Who lives here

The PAUSE is a luxury guesthouse.

Location

Gerringong, South Coast of NSW 

Decor style

Modern Australian beach house

Favourite room

The upstairs master bedroom is oversized and has that wow factor. It is the combination of the pitched ceiling, the organic materials and the amount of space. The other room is the kitchen with the oversized concrete island combined with the rattan pendants and the minimalist’s kitchen design.

Favourite pieces

The brass wall light in the hallway and the upstairs ensuite. It is unique and such a statement.

Biggest save

Creating all the open wardrobes and shelving using teak timber, such a great way to make a feature and save money at the same time. 

Biggest Splurge

The Brodware organic brass tapware, it was worth it as it will patina over time and add to that organic feel that I wanted to create.

Pristine beaches, rolling green farmland and a seaside town that is bursting with charm. Gerringong, on the South Coast of New South Wales, seems worlds away from it all, yet it’s only a two-hour drive south of Sydney. The town’s easy-going nature and sun-kissed days soften the pace of day-to-day life, making it the perfect setting for The PAUSE, a luxurious yet understated beach house.

The PAUSE is the creative work of build and design powerhouse couple Simone and Ben Mathews, the creators of much-loved SOUL of Gerringong. Unlike the SOUL of Gerringong, a stunning transformation of an old farmhouse turned boutique holiday property, The PAUSE is a guesthouse that the couple built from the ground up.

“We created The PAUSE as a space for guests to literally take a pause from their every day,” explains Simone. “Every little detail of the home has been created with this in mind. From the spatial planning to the styling, right down to the guest room design.”
 

Simone continues, “Ironically though, we found ourselves building The PAUSE during the pause of Covid-19. Although really challenging, it allowed us to focus on the build. Plus, our four boys who were being home-schooled at the time became our apprentices and were able to get a feel for building, which was the best thing that came out of home-schooling for them!” 

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Organically beautiful, Simone and Ben have created a calming oasis that blurs the line between a holiday property and a boutique hotel. Giving the home a sense of relaxation at every turn – a feeling that Simone evokes in all the properties that she creates. 
 
“We continually love pushing boundaries. I have the vision, and I design it, then it is over to Ben to turn it into reality – he is the one who creates the magic,” says Simone.

The home’s crisp white weatherboard, teak timber shutters and black framed windows sit seamlessly within the coastal surrounds. But, it’s the interiors that bring a whole new meaning to barefoot luxe. Taking a less is more approach, Simone’s unique take on the Australian coastal home draws inspiration from the Bahamas, Singapore, Bali and the South Coast. The result? An organic and minimalistic interior. 
 

“The home itself sits on quite a small footprint, yet it feels so open and spacious. I love that when you open the entry door, you have a sense of space and freedom. It truly has captured that holiday feeling that is so important for a holiday property,” says Simone.

Created with holidays in mind, the minimalist hallway with a bespoke brass wall light invites you in. Leading you down to an open plan living and kitchen area with an oversized concrete island and rattan pendants. Purposefully designed to not feel like your everyday kitchen, the kitchen flows effortlessly into the living room which features a commissioned artwork from Ozlem Savelle. And the outdoor space; an oasis of lush gardens, has a pool for summery days and a fireplace for chilly nights. 

“Being a mother of four boys, life gets really busy, so I wanted to create a property where families could spend time together. That is why there is one open plan living/kitchen and outdoor area. I want the property to allow people to have a break and reconnect,” explains Simone.

Designed for smaller groups of up to 12 guests, the ground level has four guest rooms and a bunk room (the secret room). Each room is designed as a private space with three distinct zones, divided by arched doorways; the open wardrobe area with custom-made teak timber shelving, bedding with natural linen and a bathroom with bespoke timber and brass finishes. 
 

The staircase with steel balustrades and strong lines is a defining feature of the home. It leads upstairs to an oversized master bedroom, with a pitched ceiling and organic materials.

“The use of teak throughout the property has become such a feature. We had doors designed and custom made, and the open timber shelving used throughout is in the same teak. The handmade tiles really create that organic feel. And the brass wall lights add that bit of classic touch to the property,” says Simone.

Rolling hills of lush green farmland surrounds Gerringong, a small beachside town just south of Kiama on the South Coast of NSW. A prime spot for surfing, swimming and playing by the water’s edge, Gerringong is all about sun-loving days. And although the town itself has its fair share of on-trend cafes, restaurants, bars and boutique stores, neighbouring Kiama and Berry has everything on hand; markets, boutique shopping, and a foodie scene that celebrates local produce and artisans. 

For coffee

Clay Coffee Collective and Werri Beach Kiosk.

For breakfast

The Blue Swimmer, a beachside cafe down the road in Gerroa.

For lunch

Wild Patch and Diggies, both just up the road in Kiama.

For dinner

The Hill Bar + Kitchen, but come at sunset to enjoy the coastal views. 

For drinks

Gather by The Hill is a beautiful spot for cocktails.

Go-to local boutique

Ziba Lifestyle for clothes and Deer Willow for homewares.

Best kept secret in the local area

The secluded beaches and waterfalls. You will find them on side paths on the Kiama to Gerringong coastal walk. I can’t tell you exactly where or they won’t be a secret anymore!

Keeping with the organic feel of The PAUSE, Simone sourced linen bedding from Cultiver, custom made pots from a local artisan in Bali and organic furniture from Uniqwa. She also commissioned artwork from Ozlem Savelle for the living room – which completes the Australia coastal vibe of the holiday property.

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