As part of our Travel Series we were lucky enough to chat with Aimee McKechnie. Aimee is a designer extraordinaire and owner of one of our favourite properties to escape with Eadie - The Shore at Gerringong. Located on the stunning South Coast of New South Wales, this is a place that takes barefoot luxury to the next level.
Be sure to read to the very bottom of this interview to discover an exclusive offer for our Eadie community when you book a stay.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and how The Shore at Gerringong came about? How long have you owned the property and have you always lived in the area?
I am an Interior Designer (Curated and Made Interiors) living in Sydney but have always had a love for South Coast NSW. We previously owned a property on Jervis Bay, which we sold a few years ago to purchase something closer to Sydney. So after 2 years of looking we finally purchased this unrenovated beauty in January 2019. We spent most of that year renovating with a plan to open in March 2020 to guests. And then COVID… So we opened on July 1 2020 and have been busy ever since!
I wanted to create somewhere really special to spend time with family and friends, away from the city and never ending to-do lists. My goal was to just have this oasis of calm that we could retreat to with the kids and chill out. But I also have a bit of an obsession with new and interesting holiday destinations and always try to steer our holidays toward somewhere that has a really considered fit out - so I wanted to offer that same kind of experience to others for their getaways.
Why Gerringong? It’s the perfect beachside township less than 2 hours drive from home. The landscape still takes my breath away every time I drive around the Kiama bends and see Werri Beach to the left - the way the lush green headlands meet the ocean is just so beautiful. Combine that with a thriving community of local caterers, craftspeople, artisans and small businesses as well as proximity to other destinations such as Berry and the Minnamurra - it just has so much to offer.
Eadie Lifestyle's Simpatico Cushion in the light filled living space
The home is a stunning example of luxurious yet relaxed coastal living. Every detail is considered. Did you engage an Interior Designer or look after this yourself? Could you tell me a little about the process?
Natural textures and tones
Do you have a favourite space in the home? If so, why?
There are so many spaces and nooks it’s hard to choose one. The living space with its cathedral, shiplap ceiling is definitely a hero though. It really makes the upstairs living area and balcony so much more interesting and unique as well as allowing the Northern sun to stream through.
I also love that each bedroom is its own oasis, with an ensuite and views. It means you can easily have 4 or 5 couples staying and everyone has their own space to retreat to, which I rate as a priority when I go on holiday myself.
The Simpatico Cushion complements the soft, muted palette perfectly
Relaxing outdoors with the Luca Linen Cushion
What sort of guests does the property cater for?
We can sleep 11 people so often have two families or a group of friends. Since opening in July 2020 we’ve hosted micro-weddings, yoga retreats, creative retreats, 70th birthdays and plenty of brides and their bridal party in the days prior to the wedding.
The great thing about the property is that it appeals to so many different types of guests because we have multiple living and outdoor spaces as well as an ensuite for every bedroom. The feedback that we receive from almost every guest is that they spent 3 days with 10 other people but always felt like they still had their own space.
The large dining area caters for families and friends
Every detail is considered to ensure a luxurious and comfortable stay
Aside from Werri Beach what are some of the attractions Gerringong has to offer?
So many! If you want to stay close to home you can arrange a private yoga or pilates session, a massage or even a movie night in our backyard. If you’re happy to head further afield there are a number of wineries, or you can do surf lessons or horse riding. Lunch and shopping in Berry or Kiama is always popular. In summer you can head to Jamberoo waterpark or one of the hundreds of other beaches along the coastline. We always love taking a floatie to the Minamurra River.
Gerringong itself has plenty of great cafes, wine bars and boutiques. For kids there’s a skate park, basketball court, tennis court and playground just outside our back gate as well as a bike track that takes you all the way to Werri Lagoon. We’re spoilt for choice and there is just so much to do within 20 minutes drive from Gerringong.
Poolside at The Shore
Just one of the stylish vignettes you'll discover at The Shore at Gerringong
To enjoy early or late check in or out - as well as complimentary gift pack of local produce on arrival - please mention EADIE when booking at