IT’S in a tangle of private driveways and windy lanes, so once you find the entrance to 27 Rayner Rd you’ve almost lost track of how high you are, and what might be in store.

Indeed the first view is a shady barbecue area, away from the glare of the water and sun. It would be an ideal retreat on hot days or balmy evenings.

On entering the house the first thing that strikes you is that“new house” smell, despite the fact the house is 12 months old

And then your senses are overcome by the huge ocean view.

It stretches from Whale Beach to your left, all the way past Killcare and out to sea.

It is breathtaking and makes most visitors stop dead in their tracks when they see it.

Glass louvres and aluminium doors bring the sensational view, the breeze and the light into the house in bucket loads, while the beautifully designed Jetmaster fireplace hints at what it must be like in winter to sit comcozy cosy and contented with that view at your fingertips and the underfloor heating at your toes.

The adjacent kitchen is lean and Caesarstone sleek, designed to blend into the background of this view-driven property.

The three levels are handled in a sort of loft style, with exposed staircases between floors.

The upper floor holds the main bedroom with a very generous bathroom and walk-in wardrobe, while the lowest floor is more about playtime.

This level has another, bigger living area with space to sprawl jlon the sofa or sit at a casual table and peruse the papers. Out the door is another delightful kickback option in the sparkling shape of a magnificent swimming pool.

With its infinity edge, and the illusion of being suspended, the fully mosaic-tiled and gas-heated pool is as much an architectural feature as a practical one.

There is a sun terrace and a courtyard here, as well as two bedrooms all within a few steps of a sunbake (yes, I know, unhealthy and all that, but with protection sunbathing is a simply delicious way to unwind).

Wide European floor boards keep the house light, and storage keeps the home clever.Lockable walk-in cupboards are available for those who may consider renting the stylish property out. Weekend escape travellers flock to Whale Beach and often end up dreaming of owning such an extraordinary piece of real estate.

A stunning kitchen cum casual dining zone – simply fabulous layout.

Willow trees and wallabies make it home

Some homes just invite you through the door, and make you immediately welcome as Prue Miller found at Bayview.

GILWINGA Dr has very little traffic, and lots of birds and trees which in part explains why the homes here are so attractive  and in particular the slightly hidden No.18. On walking down the palm lined drive (and there are two double garages here) you are aware of an awful lot of roof, then you notice the perfect child sized front lawn. This is a family house.

Walk in the front door the first wow! hits you as you pass under the atrium, and turn into a fabulously dramatic kitchen and dining room. From the dark floor to the stainless steel light fittings this is a room you want to spend time in  so its fortunate a big dining table is here. An added delight is the double glass-door entrance to the wine cellar that sits at one end of the table, while at the other end is entry to the shady courtyard barbecue area.

From here the house unfolds into different levels, different ceiling heights but constant good design.

The upper floor main bedroom suite has balcony doors opening to the private forest and below that is the large sunny pool. Its been a long time since willow trees have been apparent in Sydneys gardens, but here their sleepy bows add to the restful nature of the home.

There are many living areas, large and small, which add interest to the layout, including a cosy cinema couch, near the formal dining, beyond which is the staircase down to the main lounge.

However, everywhere leads to the outside view and once you enter the pool level you are again greeted with more sandstone paved entertaining areas that ring the outside of the home.

At every point you are reminded by both the privacy offered and the relaxed layout that at 4,407sqm this is a large block of land. In the backyard there is still more space for kids to play safely around the pool (occasionally joined by kangaroos), or for the bigger kids there is access via a gate and quaint bridge for exploration or escapades around the brook and bush.

Many homes in this neck of the woods are seen as holiday places, or weekend retreats and frankly they feel like it. But this one – this one – is a family home.

Prue Miller is a journalist with News Ltd