A coastal legacy

Ferniehirst is a seaside retreat, purpose built to embrace family and endure the elements.

Words Alexandra Longstaff
Photography Brock Beazley

Ferniehirst is more than just a home. Perched on the shores of Dicky Beach, Queensland, it’s a symbol of family legacy, resilience and intentional design. Crafted as a “forever home”, Ferniehirst promises to stand proudly for at least four generations to come, its solid bones and elegant lines gracefully withstanding the trials of time and tide. This unique home is as much a retreat as it is a gathering place, a haven built not only for today’s family, but for the generations who will inherit its halls and memories.

The journey began with a 1251sqm plot bearing an ageing structure, ready to be transformed. The clients handed designer Penny del Castillo a staggering 25-page brief, a heartfelt manifesto of everything they had dreamed of for this home: a “Michelin-star chef’s” kitchen, a dining area that could accommodate 120 guests, and enough flexibility to host family gatherings as easily as private retreats. And it was all to come together in a design that would harmonise comfort and practicality with durability and elegance. “Comfort and practicality over aesthetics,” Penny recalls as a guiding mantra, though the final result is certainly easy on the eye.

Situated on an ocean-facing block, Ferniehirst had to withstand more than just the rigours of daily family life. As harsh coastal air and salty subtropical winds were a constant presence, Penny and her team at Studio del Castillo embraced resilient materials and bold, brutalist architecture to meet the environment head-on. At the same time, they softened the home’s rough exterior with serene, ocean-inspired hues and plush textures inside. From its bog oak wall panelling sourced from Ukraine to the sunlit living spaces, each detail was chosen to balance durability with warmth, creating a home that’s as inviting as it is resilient.

The ground floor is a masterclass in versatility, capable of transforming from a cosy family space to a grand entertaining area with ease. Here, an expandable dining table stretches from 12 seats to 34, inviting large holiday gatherings and intimate family meals alike. With seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a dedicated sewing room, and a games room fit for every occasion, Ferniehirst feels expansive without losing its sense of intimacy. And the layered, adaptable interiors were crafted to “hold nostalgia without losing the original intent” as Penny explains — a vision to keep the home’s character alive as it ages gracefully alongside its owners.

True to its coastal surroundings, the palette throughout Ferniehirst reflects the sea and sky, blue-green tones balancing the structure’s robust concrete foundations. The home’s artwork, too, tells a story, each piece a memento from the family’s travels, grounding their experiences in a space designed to embrace new ones. “Every piece connects to a place of joy,” Penny says, giving each room its own sense of place and meaning within the broader family legacy.

Every corner of Ferniehirst has been thoughtfully crafted to enhance the family’s lifestyle, right down to the practicalities. Roll-up blinds keep views unobstructed and the ocean breeze flowing, while custom-designed windows ensure maximum light and privacy. Outside, the family’s athletic side shines through with a 40m lap pool and an adjoining court for tennis and basketball — just the place for healthy competition or a relaxed day in the sun. And as if that weren’t enough, the underground level offers a full gym, cinema and storeroom for surf gear, creating a seamless connection between the beach and home.

This residence is a masterpiece, crafted, curated and created with detail, with memories and treasured moments in mind. A place to slow down and enjoy meaningful time with loved ones, now and for many years to come.