Perched high above Louttit Bay, with sweeping northerly views across the ocean and surrounding bushland, Charles House — designed by Josh Crosbie Architects with interior design by Belso Design Studio — is a quietly confident coastal retreat, designed for connection, comfort and longevity.

Owned by a retired couple who regularly host their children and grandchildren, the renovated Lorne home has been reimagined as a place where multiple generations can come together with ease — without ever feeling crowded or overstimulated.

Prior to the renovation, the house was structurally sound, but no longer suited the way the owners lived. Its layout had been outgrown, lacking the flow and flexibility required for large family gatherings.

As a holiday home, it needed to be robust and functional, yet always welcoming. Above all, it was envisioned as a place for togetherness.

Rather than start from scratch, the renovation built on the home’s existing bones, retaining the timber subfloor and select internal blockwork walls.

‘The design intent was for the home to feel anchored within its setting rather than imposed upon it,’ says Kaylene Bryce, founder and interior designer of Belso Design Studio. ‘The vision was to create interiors that quietly recede, allowing the natural environment to take centre stage.’

Set into Lorne’s steep hillside, the home makes the most of its elevated position and sweeping northern views across Louttit Bay and Lorne Pier.

‘The floor plan is split across three levels, allowing the house to cascade naturally with the slope of the site,’ explains Kaylene.

Entry is via the middle floor, which houses two bedrooms, a study, bathroom and powder room. From here, the plan opens downward to the lower level, where the kitchen, living and dining spaces stretch out towards the view, spilling directly onto a deck for effortless indoor–outdoor living. A newly added upper level provides additional accommodation — including a rumpus room, bunk room, main bedroom and bathroom — offering privacy and separation while maintaining visual connection to the landscape beyond.

Materiality plays a crucial role in anchoring the home to its coastal context. Blackbutt timber is used throughout — in flooring, cabinetry and external cladding — creating cohesion across the levels and lending warmth to the interiors.

Externally, the contrast between natural blackbutt on the upper level and charred blackbutt below gives the home depth and a subtle robustness suited to its coastal environment.

Inside, the palette is intentionally restrained, allowing the views to take centre stage. Furniture and artwork have been carefully curated to complement, rather than compete with, the outlooks; muted mustards and soft greens add warmth and depth, while maintaining a sense of calm.

One of the project’s key challenges — accommodating a 10-seat dining table without overwhelming the space — became an opportunity for bespoke design. Working with Geelong makers Hammer and Stone, a custom Blackbutt table was created with a fold-away veneer top, allowing it to be scaled back for everyday use.

Charles House is now a generous, light-filled home that supports the rhythms of a large, multi-generational family, while sitting quietly and confidently within its spectacular coastal setting.