Hawkesbury: Down by The River House
Originally published at: Domain
Column: Home Away From Home
Photography: Pauline Morrissey
It’s no wonder there are endless songs and poems written about rivers; there’s something truly magical about their free-flowing waters, drawing people in with their restful promises.
In fact, it’s this same pull that led Belle and Simon Duff to the waters of Coba Point; a “boat-access only” serene location where Berowra Creek gently meets the Hawkesbury River.
“When we first purchased our house back in 2004, we were one of only a handful of full-time residents in the area, as many of the other houses were typically used as holiday homes, meaning the remote nature and quiet ‘neighbourhood’ was a drawcard for us,” Belle Duff says.
“The first thing we noticed was that the block was north-facing, with deep water frontage, and uninterrupted views of the river. I remember thinking, ‘What more could you want?’”
The couple’s plan was to update the existing house, create a sustainable home for their family, and undertake a redesign to maximise views and, indeed, frame the river on which it sits. “We put sliding doors in both the living area and main bedroom, along with bi-fold windows in the dining area – all of which opens out to the wraparound deck, soaking up views of the river and beyond,” Duff says.
“Using recycled materials where possible was also important to us, like the structural beams around the fireplace made from reclaimed hardwood from an old railway bridge in Lithgow.”
Due to their growing family, the couple have since relocated, listing the house on Airbnb in late 2018, and welcoming guests to arrive by water taxi or BYO boat.
Today, the home caters for anything from weekend getaways, foodie photo shoots, and mini honeymoons, to a special setting perfect for a romantic proposal.
“The River House is completely run by an off-grid solar system, installed by Simon’s company, Towards Tomorrow Energy,” Duff says.
“So regardless of its remote location, we’re able to offer modern conveniences to guests, such as WiFi, a flat-screen TV, Netflix, and a Sonos wireless music system – all thanks to the sun!”
But the truth of the matter is, you may never need the WiFi password here. Not with the crackling fireplace in the living room, or the late night dinners on the outdoor deck. Certainly not with the grassy front lawn shaded by the sprawling jacaranda tree, or the private pontoon where your boat awaits, tempting you to explore the river.
“Our favourite thing to suggest to guests is to slow down,” Duff says. “Just bring what you need for a weekend, make yourself comfortable in the hammock by the water’s edge, and simply watch the river pass on by.”
And rest assured, when a little getaway starts with a boat trip, you know it’s going to be something special. Who knows, the river may just wind up inspiring you to write your own song or poem.
