August 05, 2015
5 mins Read
Widely known as the most photographed house along the Great Ocean Road, The Pole House is an iconic masterpiece. Take yourself to the edge of Australia by staying in this newly renovated suspension house overlooking Fairhaven Beach.
It’s a two night minimum stay to enjoy this luxurious architectural gem. However, it is not suitable for children, meaning this place is a couple’s only paradise. Once you walk through the entrance, the view will most definitely take your breath away.
The best thing about all of this? You can have the place all to yourself. With one bedroom it’s the ultimate romantic weekender. Book your spot at Great Ocean Road Holidays from $3080 a week.
If you’re flocking there from Melbourne CBD it’s only a 1 hour and 40-minute drive. Head along past Geelong and get right down to the edge of Fairhaven Beach.
The view of the Pole House from the Great Ocean Road.
Once you pull up outside the house, make your way along the floating walkway. This unique piece of architecture looks and feels as though it’s hovering. Supported by a single, hulking steel pole, the Pole House is something of an icon, perched just 40 metres above Victoria’s Great Ocean Road in Fairhaven.
And it has been ever since it was first built in 1978 by Frank Dixon. However, the original, mostly wooden structure was starting to fall apart due to the sea air. The new owners made the decision to demolish it in 2013 and replace it with a state-of-the-art construction that stays true to the original architect’s vision. Unveiled last year, it’s a minimalist, luxury take on the building that will see it stand the test of time.
The gorgeous interior of the property.
The interior is now a modern masterpiece; one of the major changes that architects made was to install floor-to-ceiling retractable glass walls on the ocean-facing side to make the most of the stunning views of Aireys Inlet, stretching all the way to Lorne, with the Southern Ocean beyond.
A glass, vertigo-inducing balcony also surrounds the property. Other sleek touches include automatic blinds, a floating wood fireplace (how apt) and a wall of burnt ash timber to hide the supporting steel pole.
Take a road trip down to the Twelve Apostles.
The house is located less than 2 hours by car away from the Twelve Apostles. Take the road inland for a quick and easy route, but if you’re looking for a more scenic trip, add on an extra hour and go via the Great Ocean Road. And don’t forget the camera.
Blazing Saddles Horse Trail Rides offers a Fairhaven Beach Ride that goes for two and a half hours. You’ll be trotting down through Otway National Park, finishing at Fairhaven Beach (which is right below your accommodation). Of course, if you’re searching for a more romantic session, this tour is also offered as a private beach and bush ride, along with strawberries and champagne at the end.
Sit along the edge of Eagle Rock Lookout for uninterrupted views of the Royal coastline.
Take a de-stressing walk to the local lookouts in the area. Taking up about an hour each way, head along Great Ocean Road to reach Eagle Rock Lookout, stand along the edge of the protruding rock and check out the Royal coastline. Jump up and continue heading up north towards Split Point Lookout in Aireys Inlet. If you were a big fan of the Australian children’s show Round the Twist prepare to freak out, because the lighthouse is going to give you some serious flashbacks.
The Lighthouse at Split Point Lookout.
While staying at the Pole House, you’ll be surrounding by a myriad of beaches. Pick your preference, or just spend the day beach hopping to visit them all. Starting off in Fairhaven Beach, you can just hop down below the house and voila, you’ve arrived. Once you’re ready to head out, take a quick drive up the road to Sandy Gully Beach and walk down the steps to the beach for a quick dip in the warm water. Next up is Sunnymeade Beach, full of incredible rock formations and a swimmable tunnel. It’s a local hideaway, that’s perfect for exploring. And once you’re ready for a kick-on, the last stop on the list is Guvvos Beach. For crystal blue waters along the white sand, this beach is surrounded by forest land, giving you the feel of a private sanctuary.
Smack bang in the middle of Aireys Inlet is the Eagles Next Fine Art Gallery. The gallery displays art and exhibitions from emerging and established artists in the Geelong and Otway regions. Exhibitions are held between October and May, so check out what’s happening when you’re in the area.
Allen Noble Sanctuary is located along the Inlet Crescent. This special wetland walk is home to native birds. Pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it.
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I was quite disappointed in a couple things
1 for a newly renovated property the lack an exhaust canopy in the kitchen meant you couldn’t cook anything without setting off the smoke alarm, so the main siding glass door needed to be left open for cross ventilation.
2 lack of simple cooking facilities like a 2 burner electric cooktop, instead there was thus plug in the wall induction cokktop with no instructions & so hard to use. The burner was burning the middle of the fry pans, we couldn’t even enjoy a cooked breakfast without a burnt flavor.
3. We were supplied one towel each, half size of a normal bath towel & very thin.
These things sort of ruined the experience a bit would hate to stay long than 2 days.
[…] à 40 mètres au-dessus de la plage de Fairhaven, The Pole House est surement la maison la plus emblématique d’Australie. L’architecte et ingénieur […]