Nature has been a navigating force for the owners of Ecoluxe Retreat in Coffs Harbour. Lisa Holley and David Leckenby bought into the innovative City of Hope project almost a decade ago and it’s been their home while the couple isn’t at sea cruising the world in an electric yacht.
The environmentally-savvy pair were sold by the site’s unique design and commitment to sustainability, alongside the house’s sweeping district views and convenient position close to the coveted Jetty precinct and the beach.
Completed nine years ago, the City of Hope development designed by German Reiner Schimminger of Schimminger Architects, was created to demonstrate the viability of advanced sustainability in the built environment.
“At the time it was built, this was to the highest level of sustainability standards in the world. The architect’s goal was to set the bar as high as possible and do his best to meet that,” David says.
City of Hope features 100 per cent renewable energy, safe materials, water sensitive design, urban food production and “a coexistence with nature.”
“The house has been designed extremely well to maintain thermal comfort, whatever the weather. However, we did recently put in air-conditioning and you can run it without any consequences in terms of carbon emissions or cost.”
Unlike anything the laid back coastal town has seen before, the ground-breaking development follows biophilic design principles and was recognised at the renowned Sustainability Awards where it won the Best of the Best Award and the Landscape and Biophilia Award for 2019.
One of only four on the site, EcoLuxe Retreat is a dream destination with a conscience combining luxury and sustainability in a marriage that offers guests the best of both worlds.
Visitors can stay in a contemporary designer residence with all the mod cons expected of a high level holiday home. They can also sleep soundly knowing that the address ticked a long list of sustainability must-haves in its construction with renewable marmoleum flooring upstairs and reclaimed local blackbutt floorboards downstairs. Even the furniture has been locally sourced and there are artworks from Coffs Harbour creatives such as Michael Langley.
“We’ve often gone away on holiday, but when we come back we feel that this home offers so much more than even five-star hotels. It’s just the design philosophy that is so impactful. Reiner’s idea is you can be sustainable in exquisite sufficiency,” Lisa adds.
“We’ve been living off the grid for the whole time we’ve been here, but we’ve also recently connected to the grid just to give that peace of mind to our guests,” Lisa explains.
“We’ve got both recycled tank water for the plants, plus drinking water and we have a permaculture gardener who has maintained our philosophy of producing one and a half times what we need. So we want our guests to help themselves to the fresh herbs and veggies.”
EcoLuxe Retreat is the ideal getaway for either a couple seeking a peaceful reconnection with nature, families on holiday or small groups.
The primary suite has queen-sized and north-facing windows with double-glazing, as well as louvres to capture the natural breezes, just in case the home has reverse cycle air conditioning.
There are two more bedrooms, a home office with an integrated desk, two full bathrooms, plus a convenient laundry.
Sleeping up to six people, the spacious two storey home has multiple break out spaces inside and out for relaxing or entertaining, including the wow factor of an expansive north-facing rooftop terrace shaded by solar panels.
“From our friends and family to guests who’ve stayed here, they all love the rooftop. I go up every morning for breakfast because the views are just so lovely,” Lisa says.
Whether on the main living level, or up on the private terrace, the tranquil aspect captures lush treetops, the mountain ranges, and even the surprise inclusion of some rural neighbours. Jetty High School’s agricultural plot sits next-door, providing an unexpected farm stay atmosphere to every stay.
“Occasionally we hear a sheep or two; it’s just great to look out over the little paddock and see that nature on the doorstep,” she adds.
While hidden in a quiet street, Ecoluxe Retreat is only a short walk to the best the Jetty neighbourhood has to offer. At The Promenade there are popular dining options, a beauty salon, and access to picturesque Coffs Creek, ideal for avid kayakers or stand up paddle boarders. Alternatively, the Jetty Strip – as coined by locals – is home to a collection of international restaurants, a favourite pub and a period theatre with a year round schedule of live shows.
Only a few steps further, and the historic timber Jetty anchors the nearby family-friendly beach. The Coffs Jetty comes alive on Sundays with a vibrant market day and during summer, even the carnival comes to town.