Rockridge

Charming timber and stone beach house with magnificent ocean views, just 50 minutes' drive from Sydney (sleeps 6-8)

Built as a beach house in the 1940's, when Palm Beach was fast becoming the summer retreat of choice for smart Sydneysiders, Rockridge gets top marks on all counts. The location: high on a hillside overlooking the ocean, with bone-shaped Barrenjoey Head dividing Palm Beach from sheltered Pittwater. The grounds: an acre of native bush with no immediate neighbours, hiding a beautifully located pool and heated spa. And the style: a smart exterior of slate grey weatherboard, white woodwork and stone landscaping.

Interiors are a successful blend of Art Deco detail and Scandinavian simplicity, with nautical and Indonesian touches on blindingly white walls. There are plenty of original features - period lights, a flamboyant fireplace, built-in dressing tables in the 4 bedrooms - but this is no time capsule; you've all the mod cons you could wish for, from DVD player to washing machine. Perfect for families and groups of friends - you'll not want to leave.

Highs

• Stunning vistas from the best end of Palm Beach
• Delightful 1940's details installed by the original bon vivant owners, David and Mickey McNickel (he later lost the house in a poker game)
• The swimming pool and hot tub perched on the side of the hill
• The outside spaces - terraces, balconies, sundeck, garden, BBQ area
• Only five minutes walk to the beach
• Be as active or lazy as you want: lots to do in the vicinity, but it's also a divine spot to sit and do nothing

Lows

• As you'd expect in an old beach house, some of the rooms are small (but well laid out)
• No ensuite bathrooms - one bathroom upstairs, one shower room downstairs
• 2 week minimum stay over Christmas & New Year
• Very popular in high season - book ahead!