Four years ago, Jacqueline Doyle and Johnny Chloride purchased a coastal oasis along Cape Woolamai, a headland at the South-Eastern tip of Victoria’s stunning Philip Island. Since then, they have renovated Cape Cabin and transformed the ‘rotting timber, leaking roof and soggy bathroom floor’ into a serene and cosy family retreat (which is also occasionally available for hire). Jacqueline and Johnny describe envy-inducing Cape Cabin as a ‘haven away from our urban reality, surrounded by nature and overflowing with details that make our hearts sing.’

The cabin is peppered with welcoming nooks for reading, playing and contemplation. Cosy interiors feature handcrafted timber furniture, including bunk beds, outdoor tables, and daybeds, all built by Jacqueline and Johnny! High vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and handcrafted mud-brick walls give the place a rustic feel, balanced by the beachy vibe of white timber panelling.

Jacqueline’s passion for children’s products is evident in an abundance of wooden toys and games the family have collected, inherited and created. The house layout and design lends itself to play, too – we especially love the homemade carnival spinner, which helps the kids choose their next activity. This is a beach getaway where there is no excuse to be bored! ‘We love the kids being barefoot and testing and exploring their limits, it’s so different to what they can do in Melbourne’ says Jacqueline. ‘We want them to have a taste of the endless days of exploration and wonderment that we remember from our own childhoods.’

Cape Cabin can happily accommodate 12 weekend guests, and Jacqueline and Johnny enjoy the vibrancy this brings. ‘There is something a little bit magical about seeing the house come to life with the love and laughter of family and friends’ says Jacqueline. Set against the pink granite surf coasts of Philip Island, Cape Cabin cheerfully combines contemporary interiors, a space for play, and a retreat where you can fall asleep listening to the sound of waves crashing.