Mr & Mrs Smith

Alinghi

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Designer holiday house Alinghi clings to the cliffs of north Queensland's Capricorn Coast, at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef. This eco-chic eyrie comfortably sleeps 14 in five bedrooms, including a master suite that's separated from the main pavilion by an expansive travertine terrace. Luxe furnishings, high-tech gadgets and slick entertaining areas are almost gazumped by the jaw-dropping views.

Need to know

• Rates information AU$1,000 a night.
• Ideal for Sun-seeking families and groups of friends; couples who want room to move.
• Sleeps 14
• Property style A cutting-edge cedar, glass and steel cliff-hanger, as captured in these breath-snatching snaps by acclaimed architectural photographer John Gollings.
• Grounds Alinghi is nestled among 14 acres of native bushland and rocky outcrops, overlooking a swoon-worthy stretch of Honeymoon Bay.
• Minimum hire Minimum three-night stay.
• Children With its beachfront position and bunk rooms, it's hard to imagine a better family getaway. More...
• Booking process A 30 per cent deposit is due for bookings made more than 12 weeks in advance. The balance is due 12 weeks prior to arrival.
• Also Smoking is only permitted outdoors and as this is a high fire danger area, guests must carefully dispose of butts. Pets are not allowed.

Floor plan

• Alinghi is made up of two pavilions built around a huge travertine terrace that dramatically juts out towards the sea.
  
• Bedrooms The master bedroom pavilion is separated from the main house by a terrace, and features a king-size bed with ocean views, as well as a study with phone, fax and computer. The shower room has a glass wall that slides back to reveal the surrounding bushland – the established trees provide privacy. Across the terrace, bordered on three sides by a narrow, shallow pool, the main pavilion has four bedrooms on the first floor. There are two king-size bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms (one has a bath tub, and both have showers with sea views), and two bunk rooms that sleep four people in each. There's also a family bathroom and separate shower room.
  
• Kitchen The kitchen gives on to the living area and dining room. It has a white marble benchtop and a host of Miele and Gaggenau appliances, including an espresso machine, as well as enough crockery and glassware to entertain a crowd.
  
• Living room The living room has an open fireplace and is decorated in calm neutral tones. There's an oversized linen couch topped with plump cushions, contemporary armchairs, timber side tables, tactile rugs and a 50-inch flatscreen TV. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open on to the terrace.
  
• Dining room

  A hand-crafted spotted-gum dining table from Melbourne maestro Mark Tuckey takes centre stage, backed up by a support cast of 10 Artek chairs by Alvar Aalto. The cushioned bench that runs the length of one wall is the primo position for wallaby spotting.

• Poolside Alinghi is set in the Rocky Point Estate, which has a 25-metre saltwater pool, flanked by sunloungers. There's also an outdoor shower at Alinghi for cooling off.
• Gardens The house is surrounded by dense native bushland leading down to the sea.
• Private parking There's parking for three cars.
• Other The Rocky Point Estate is also home to a tennis court, barbecue and huge cabana for alfresco entertaining.