The Lakehouse: Organic Architecture Meets Vibrant 70s Flair

Nestled between the coastal villages of Cabarita Beach and Bogangar on the NSW Tweed Coast, Cudgen Lake is a hidden gem — a serene wetland embraced by lush floodplain forest and pockets of subtropical rainforest.

With sweeping views of Round Mountain to the south and the iconic silhouette of Wollumbin Mount Warning rising in the west, Benson and Samantha felt an instant connection. They knew this was where they wanted to lay down roots and raise their three boys. And so, The Lakehouse came to life.

“The inspiration for the design was based around where we are as a location; we wanted the whole house to centre around the lake,” says Benson.

“It's a very unique spot, so we wanted to build a home that blended into the environment and was very functional.”

The Lakehouse presents a strikingly symmetrical façade, with twin gabled pavilions framing the central kitchen and living area. This thoughtful composition establishes a strong architectural rhythm and sense of balance. 

“We wanted to not do something too traditional and break outside the mould of what people would expect from a property here,” says Benson.

“The lake was a lot of our inspiration around cladding, textures, and finishes.”

Drawing inspiration from New Zealand architecture, The Lakehouse’s weathered timber cladding lends warmth and texture, softening the clean, modern lines. 

Expansive glazed windows dissolve the barrier between inside and out, drawing the surrounding landscape deep into the home.

“I love colour, but I also wanted this house to reflect the environment. We decided we wanted all the main living areas to reflect the paper bark tree — the earthiness, the browns, the greens,” says Samantha.

“I didn't want it to feel brand new, so we used limewash in a lot of the main areas on the walls, we used natural wood and natural stone as well.”

As the first space you encounter, the kitchen sets the tone for the entire home, offering uninterrupted views across the tranquil waters of Cudgen Lake.

At its heart is a generous island clad in Monreale marble, where rich breccia veining and warm, earthy blush tones perfectly harmonise with our brushed brass Elysian Commercial Pull-Out Kitchen Mixer, Zalo Double Kitchen Sink, and Elysian Pot Filler.

“The stone came first, then the whole kitchen came around that,” Samantha explains. “It was the perfect natural finish to represent the paperbark tree.”

The double-height void over the kitchen enhances the home’s vertical flow, leading the eye to a sage green spiral staircase that acts as both a functional connector and a playful design statement.

“I love the 70s era, and the staircase came from that,” Samantha explains.

“Because it’s such a modern home, I wanted to soften that modernness with the 70s vibe of furniture — the couch, the stools, some of the artwork — just to bring in those elements we love.”

The wet areas are where Samantha has let her love for colourful, '70s flair truly run wild.

“We went crazy with the laundry, [bathrooms], and the butlers, which all have a different colour palette,” she explains.

Mismatched blush pink stone tiles lead into the laundry, where avocado green cabinetry brings a bold, retro charm and pairs perfectly with our brushed brass Elysian Commercial Pull-Out Kitchen Mixer.

Adjacent, the butler’s pantry features clay-toned joinery and a servery window that opens directly to the dining room, seamlessly blending function with playful, considered design.

“If you looked at this house on a moodboard, I think you'd be scared — but it actually works,” Samantha admits.

Having come from a smaller home, Benson and Samantha intentionally designed The Lakehouse to ensure their family still feels closely connected.

“The boys’ three bedrooms are down one end of the house, and we let them have a little fun with the cabinetry design by picking their own colours for each room,” Benson explains.

“The games room is also down that end. We wanted it to work for them now as two, four, and six-year-olds, but also when they're 18. They can still have their own space and privacy, and have friends come and enjoy it as well.”

The three boys’ shared bathroom features a playful blue and white checkered tile design, complemented by three industrial-style white enamel sinks — a subtle nod to ’70s craftsmanship.

Brushed nickel tapware and accessories complete the look, including a mix of Kingsley Assembly Taps and Mini Wall-Mounted Spouts for a functional yet timeless finish.

The final wing of the home is dedicated to Benson and Samantha’s expansive master suite.

“It's a really nice space where the bed faces straight onto the lake,” says Benson.

“We've got a balcony with a bath, and it's really nice for us to wake up in the morning and just watch the trees, relax, and start the day without a worry in the world.”

The same Monreale marble from the kitchen is reimagined in the double vanity, while the checkered stone tiles from the laundry reappear as a border around the curved archway that leads to a generous double shower.

Completed with our brushed brass tapware and fixtures, the space feels thoughtfully curated and seamlessly connected with the rest of the home.

“When we first moved in, we almost felt like imposters in such an amazing house we've designed and put our heart and soul into,” Benson explains.

“For us, it wasn't a flip home,” Samantha adds. “This was our forever home, and I think we've achieved that.” 

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