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Suzi Rose, owner of Cocolocks Hair Salon, and her husband discovered their Rye property in 2022 after missing out on a nearby auction (which became Lucy’s beach house, Silvermoon Shack!)
The house itself was basic and rundown, but ticked all other boxes including location (walking distance to Number 16 Beach), generous block size, and potential to create something special.
‘I could even hear the ocean waves crashing in the distance,’ says Suzi. ‘It was exactly what we wanted.’
What lay ahead was a mammoth task to transform the 1980s shack into a warm and welcoming home to serve as their own holiday house and short-term accommodation, now known as The Blackwood House.
In Suzi’s words, ‘everything had to change.’ Apart from the cedar board cladding that was stripped back and resprayed black (hence the property’s name), most of the house was deemed unsalvageable.
‘The condition of the home was dire, with rusted-out gutters and weeds growing through the bathroom walls,’ says Suzi. ‘We even found a fossilised beehive behind some of the plaster.’
The couple’s self-designed renovations were guided by how they wanted the property to feel. Suzi explains, ‘We wanted to create something that was more than just a place to stay. It needed to evoke a feeling of calm, connection to the landscape, and a sense of escape.
‘Every decision was made with the intention to create a home that understood the art of living well, and one that offers guests an unforgettable escape from the pace of modern-day life.’
Aesthetically, they looked to Scandi minimalism — conducive to the home’s relatively compact proportions and the cedar board cladding — to inspire a cosy, cabin-like atmosphere.
The interiors feature a pared back combination of timber, metal and stone, complemented by soft tones across the fixtures and styling.
‘The browns needed to feel warm and grounded, the oaks subtle and pale, and the contrast between the moody black exterior and the light calming interior had to feel seamless and intentional,’ says Suzi.
Landscaping was a major element of the project to harmonise with the renovations and coastal setting.
An expansive outdoor deck was built to invite long summer evenings outdoors, while an open fire pit offers a designated space for stargazing, storytelling, and soaking up the sounds of the ocean nearby.
The added detail of an outdoor shower and bathtub ensures comfort and connection to the natural surroundings, regardless of the season.
The completed house is a testament to Suzi and her husband’s hard work, with the help of many loved ones along the way.
‘Our commitment to creating a home that feels considered and yet relaxed, modern but yet timeless, is a true reflection of the life we’ve built and the treasured memories we hope others will create here too,’ Suzi says.
The Blackwood House is pet friendly, sleeps up to four guests, and offers a convenient base to explore Mornington Peninsula attractions, including the nearby hot springs.
