The rustic charm of MYER HOUSE compliments the bush setting, writes Ben Stubbs.
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THE SETTING
Set in the heart of the Mimosa Rocks National Park north of Tathra on the NSW South Coast, Myer House sits on the edge of Bithry inlet. There are views across to Wapengo Lake and out to the open ocean in the other direction. Tathra is a 10-minute drive south and Bermagui is 20 minutes to the north.
THE SPACE
Built by renowned Melbourne architect Sir Roy Grounds in the late 1960s, he shared the property with colleague Kenneth Myer of the Myer Foundation (and the store). This large holiday home sleeps 12 and was designed to echo the great hall in Melbourne's National Art Gallery, which Grounds designed. The property was later donated to NSW National Parks, which has done a wonderful job refurbishing it with a classy 1970s feel. The great hall is decked out with an enormous long table, two electric fires and a record player. The entire property has a rustic charm that compliments the isolation of the bush setting - you'll see monitor lizards, kookaburras and wallabies out the kitchen window every day. There are four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a new industrial kitchen and the style is maintained throughout with old-school dial phones, analogue clocks and a ping-pong table in the screened verandah. There is a barbecue and a newly rolled tennis court outside.
THE KIT
Expect wooden floors and lots of windows and doors to get the lovely afternoon breeze flowing. The house is isolated so parking is not a problem. All appliances run off solar power and, to keep with the '70s feel, there is no microwave. The washer, dryer, dishwasher and oven are all modern and easy to use. The overall feel is relaxed family cabin with a twist.
COMFORT FACTOR
Myer House is perfect for an isolated summer holiday with family or friends. It's not pretentious - it's all about days on the beach, swimming and fishing and afternoons napping on the day beds and playing tennis with the kids.
FOOD
Bring your own food or head into Tathra to stock up on fresh seafood (if you can't catch your own) and stop for the best coffee in town at Blend. Historic Tathra Wharf is also a great place for a walk. Things are pretty quiet in the off-season (though for many that's the appeal). If you're looking for dinner in town try the pizzas at Mimosa Rock Restaurant or a counter meal at the pub (where they also have great live music during summer).
WORTH STEPPING OUT FOR
Grounds built this place gradually and as a result there are some gems to discover in the surrounding area. On the headland you'll find the geodesic dome he built, a nine-sided canvas tent (complete with old kitchen and loo) they originally used while on holiday, gardens and the old bench Grounds and Myer would sit on with a bottle of red to plan their paradise. Mimosa Rocks has some of the nicest beaches on the south coast, with Middle Beach great for surfing. In season, it is also a good place to spot migrating whales.
THE VERDICT
This place is still somewhat under the radar, so get in before the crowds discover it. Take a good book (unless you prefer their '70s collection), plenty of sunscreen and a beach cricket set for the family to enjoy.
HOW TO GET THERE
Mimosa Rocks National Park is a 5½-hour drive from Sydney. The closest airport is Merimula 28 kilometres away and Rex Airlines has regular flights.
ESSENTIALS
Myer House has a minimum one-week stay during peak season, $550 a night during shoulder season and $400 a night during off-peak season. Book online, see stayz.com.au/accommodation/nsw/south-coast/tanja/136559.
The writer was a guest of NSW National Parks.
