Home Tour: Talm is a Love Letter to the Iconic Aussie Beach House

There is an undeniable energy that you experience when you’re by the beach. The peacefulness, the delicious salty air, the gentle, incessant hum of crashing waves — you can’t help but feel grounded by the gravitational pull of the sweeping seas. If only you could bottle this feeling up… 

A stay at Talm Beach House is like stepping directly into this magical ocean energy. Situated in Anna Bay, Port Stephens, the two-storey property sits directly above the rock pools where you can whale watch and dolphin spot. 

It’s a truly spectacular vantage point and something the property’s owners, husband and wife duo Jenn and Ryley Bliss, wanted to maximise when they bought the block of land in 2018 and built the home from scratch.  

Dolphins at the Door

“Talm is so beautifully unique in the fact the ocean is literally on our doorstep. This is something so rare, so it was important for us to honour that,” interior designer Jenn Bliss explains of the project, which was completed at the end of 2021. 

Blending country charm with a modern beachside twist, Talm is a love letter to the iconic Aussie beach house — with a slew of luxurious and family-friendly touches. With natural light, soft textures and warm tones the holiday home, which can sleep up to ten people, is chic yet inviting. You could easily have a family getaway or an adult-only escape with your mates. Either way, you’ll be leaving Talm calm, refreshed, and rejuvenated. 

Luxe Meets Family-Friendly

“Our inspiration for Talm was to create a space that felt highly luxurious and relaxing, but in the same breath, still comforting and family-friendly. As the ocean is on our doorstep, it was important that we blurred the lines of indoor and outdoor living so that it felt like one,” Jenn reveals of her overall vision. 

To achieve this blurred aesthetic, Jenn used large glass panelling and sliding glass doors to create a feeling of endlessness as you look out onto the horizon. 

“We incorporated a grand, eight-metre void area with floor-to-ceiling glass panels that allows you to gaze at the ocean from the master bedroom upstairs, as well as the bathtub in the ensuite. We also have incredibly large sliding doors that let guests embrace that indoor-outdoor living aspect,” the interior designer explains.  

Jenn was also determined not to over-decorate the spaces and let the home speak for itself. 

“I wanted to keep the palette feeling fresh, light and bright with a few soft textures, warm tones and earthy colours throughout. I chose carefully curated items to make the property feel inviting,” says Jenn. 

Kids’ Heaven

Talm is the ultimate beach-side escape for big groups and families, and as a mother of two young children and an avid traveller herself, Jenn knew exactly what she needed to do to ensure it was accommodating for little ones. 

“We have included highchairs, portable cots, specialised kids’ crockery as well as a full games cupboard packed with family-friendly activities,” she points out. 

Outside, Jenn has carved out special and considered pockets where guests can retreat and unwind.   

Special Spaces

“We have an intimate, private courtyard which is perfect for long lunches, private chef dinners and to escape the windier days. We have a beautiful outdoor shower area that can be private, or you can open the door and be greeted by stunning ocean views! Finally, we have our outdoor BBQ patio and dining area that leads you to the grassy area right in front of the ocean. It’s perfect for whale watching, sharing meals and playing outdoor games,” she says. 

Since Talm opened to the public in December 2021, the response from guests has been overwhelmingly positive with the school holiday periods booking up immediately. 

“I am so proud to have made a space where people can go to restore themselves, make lifelong memories and share beautiful moments with those nearest to them. I have created a space that will forever in some way be imprinted in their lives,” Jenn beams.

PROJECT CREDITS

Photographer: Nat Spada from Palm Co. @the.palm.co and Abbie Mellé @abbie_melle

Interior designer and stylist: Jenn Bliss @jennbliss___

Build: Greenbuild Constructions @greenbuild.constructions

Architect: Self-designed by Jenn and Ryley Bliss @talm.beachhouse, with the help of an in-house team

Words: Bella Brennan @bellarosebrennan

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