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This 1960s Coastal Getaway Brings The French Riviera To Phillip Island

As its name suggests, Le Cabanon is a coastal accomodation with a hint of French design that pays homage to Le Corbusier’s World Heritage-listed 1951 beach shack on the French Riviera.

The 1960s beach house in Phillip Island has recently opened its doors to guests following an extensive remodel by the owners, architect and photographer Victor Vieaux and stylist Sharon Xie.

Like the original Le Cabanon, the modernist-inspired architecture is clean, functional, and features a selective use of colour to evoke an emotional response.

Written
by
Amelia Barnes
|
Photography
by

Bar stools and lamp from House of Orange. Plates, serving bowls and Kokeshi dolls from Made In Japan.

Kokeshi dolls from Made In Japan.

Bar stools from House of Orange. ‘Connection Abstract‘ artwork by Tiny De Vries from House of Orange.

 

 

Woodheater by Nectre. HKliving ceramic jug and cushion both from House of Orange. Concrete hearth built by Victor Vieaux.

Pampa rug. HKliving side tables from House of Orange. Framed photograph by Benjamin Hosking.

Lamp base and shade by HKliving from House of Orange. Pampa rug.

Yabby tapware. HKliving bath towel from House of Orange.

Alape basin. Yabby tapware. HKliving bath towel from House of Orange.

Lamp and chair from House of Orange.

Ceramic table lamp by Lauren Van Driessche. Artwork by Tom Gerrard. Cushion by HKliving from House of Orange.

Lamp and chair from House of Orange. Pampa rug.

Bunk bed, side table, and lamp from House of Orange. Phillip Island map by Victor Vieaux.

Bunk bed from House of Orange. Phillip Island watercolour by David P Art.

Water skis from former house owner, Lena. Built in benches by Victor Vieaux. Hardwood door by Aspect Windows.

Water skis from former house owner, Lena. Built in benches by Victor Vieaux. Hardwood door by Aspect Windows.

Writer
Amelia Barnes
Photography
8th of March 2024

Phillip Island’s newest accommodation, Le Cabanon, is a gorgeously appointed holiday house that retains its 1960s soul.

The property is a tribute to its namesake — Le Corbusier’s World Heritage-listed 1951 beach shack on the French Riviera.

‘We both are designers, one of us is French, and we thought the name encapsulated everything we wanted for our property: a quintessential and honest coastal house,’ says photographer Victor Vieaux, who owns the property with stylist Sharon Xie.

The Phillip Island home also pays homage to its previous owner, Lena, who holidayed at the property for 45 years. What began as a casual neighbourhood stroll evolved into a profound friendship, leading to the decision to preserve Lena’s familial sanctuary and bring it into the modern era.

Victor originally trained as an architect, and the renovation of Le Cabanon draws on his past experiences working at a Netherlands design firm that praised the use of colour as a device to differentiate spaces.

Each bedroom therefore radiates a distinctive character inspired by the coastal tones, from seafoam green to soothing peach, and buttery shades of yellow. The bathrooms showcase deep oceanic hues reflective of the nearby beaches.

Le Cabanon marks Victor and Sharon’s very first renovation — a labour of love constructed mostly on their own, room by room, over two years.

They kept in touch with Lena, the previous owner, throughout the transformation, and her water skis hang proudly on the home’s facade today. ‘The spirit of Lena’s original holiday house is intact, we just added our vibe,’ says Victor.

Le Cabanon can sleep up to six adults and three children. Be one of the first to stay in this charming seaside home.

Book your stay at Le Cabanon

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