After nine years pining after the one Lorne house, architect Josh Crosbie made it his own in 2020.
The house was originally built in 1965, by the same family who eventually sold it to Josh. Its long, mid-century form sits elegantly in the landscape, perched directly above a small cliff on the Great Ocean Road.
‘This house was my favourite house along the whole Surf Coast for many years before I was lucky enough to purchase it… It had never changed hands previously,’ Josh says. ‘I’m extremely grateful and proud that my family are now the custodians of this beautiful home.’
Given Josh’s long-standing love of the home, he wasn’t interested in removing any original features – just making a few sensitive updates to better suit his family’s needs. Mainly, this meant increasing in-built storage, and enhancing outdoor recreation spaces.
The biggest change was the additional of a lower level, to increase space and storage, without disrupting the ocean-facing facade. ‘This repetitious and simple language across the front facade was one of my favourite aspects of the house when I first saw it 10 years ago,’ Josh says.
Meanwhile, a full restoration was undertaken indoors, including new windows, skylights, and painting throughout, although many original features were preserved. Much of the previous owner’s furniture also remains in place, after Josh purchased a lot of it with the house!
‘Many aspects of this beautiful home to me are very sacred to its original character and integrity – therefore were off-limits for any improvements,’ Josh says. ‘These include the main glass facade that looks straight over the ocean; the original hardwood joinery throughout the house; the original floor tiles through the kitchen area; the sandstone retaining walls that line the swimming pool area and driveway; and the exposed rafters through the whole house that line up perfectly with the hardwood window frame mullions.’
When selling this home, the original owners recounted countless party stories from their 50 years in the home – a tradition Josh hopes to uphold alongside his sons Levi, Jude, and girlfriend Mish. ‘I enjoy entertaining also, so it’s very sweet that this home continues its legacy.’
Of course, one can’t talk about this home without addressing the STUNNING view of the ocean, which feels close enough to touch! ‘Certainly, my favourite aspect of the house is sitting inside watching the mood of the ocean and the sky changing regularly,’ says Josh.
Every room in the house has its own vantage point of the water beyond the iconic Great Ocean Road, but for the best viewing experience…. head to the outdoor bath!
