3/9 Iluka Avenue, Manly NSW 2095

Epitomising the idyllic beachside lifestyle, this extraordinary home a couple of minutes walk from the beach takes low-maintenance living to showstopping new heights. Far more akin to a semi, it's impressive space, divine character and indoor/outdoor appeal turns the standard definition of an apartment on its head.

Assuming a unique layout that twists the classic loft style, the home resides within a double-brick triplex, punctuated with the hallmarks of its early 19th Century vintage. Plate rails line the walls, while a rainbow of natural light spills through the assortment of stunning stained glass windows. The home has been respectfully renovated with the flair of a designer, headlined by statement copper pendant lights, Scandinavian-inspired birch wallpaper and grey-washed timber floorboards. The gas kitchen employs white joinery, timber benchtops, butlers sink and monochrome Spanish tiling for a sophisticated edge to home cooking, while frameless glass, an all-white palette and skylight make for a fresh bathroom sanctuary.

The upstairs bedroom is a peaceful and spacious retreat flooded in natural light, meanwhile twin living areas adapt for easy entertaining or casual relaxation to suit, flowing through French doors to a totally private outdoor paved court garden of which the home enjoys exclusive use.

While the list of features is lengthy, the location is a gamechanger, with all of Manly accessed on foot, and cafes, the beach and popular Queenscliff Lagoon Reserve mere metres away.