Nest at Blue Bay

This handcrafted designer retreat is the ideal bolthole for exploring the Central Coast’s little-known Blue Bay and neighbouring Toowoon Bay.

On the cusp of two magical bays at the northern end of the NSW Central Coast lies a brand new handcrafted retreat. Designed by husband and wife builder and design duo, Kerry Knight and Brad Butlin, Nest at Blue Bay is the epitome of coastal luxe.

With its crisp white exterior, alfresco copper shower, ceiling fans, rock feature wall and breeze blocks, the coastal retreat channels serious Palm Springs vibes. Concealed privately at the end of a Cacti-lined driveway and flanked by lush palms, Nest’s relaxed beachy feel will instantly put you in holiday mode yet it’s only a little over an hours’ drive from Newcastle and under two hours from Sydney.

Inside the stylish retreat offers king size bed, luxurious linens, freestanding terrazzo bathtub, fireplace and lofty ceilings with abundant natural light. Kerry, who previously owned a café and art gallery, has sourced contemporary and vintage pieces to achieve an eclectic, authentic feel - creating the exact kind of place they like to stay in when travelling.

“Brad is a builder and my passion is design so as a team we work really well. We have gathered from near and far to create this,”

Kerry says referring to the many antique and one-off pieces which make Nest special.

Highlights of the purpose-built Airbnb include a private deck, heated clay herringbone floor tiles, and spectacular 300kg terrazzo bathtub which proved a massive undertaking to install. French doors sourced in the Southern Highlands have been fashioned into a bedhead, oil paintings of blue herons found in Ourimbah feature on either side of the fireplace while an antique copper bird cage is yet another nod to Nest’s name.

Guests are welcomed with fresh seasonal fruit, milk and basic pantry items while bath salts are offered for long leisurely soaks. For those that can pull themselves away from the gas fire and Netflix, complimentary bikes await for exploring this magical corner of the Central Coast. The languid shores of Toowoon Bay and abutting Blue Bay are a short stroll away, as is the village of Toowoon Bay with its popular Flour and Co café and Cecilia’s Restaurant and Wine Bar.

“I love looking after people and I hope our guests enjoy staying here as much as we’ve enjoyed putting it together,” Kerry says. Having considered every little detail, we’re confident that’s a given.