We escape to Latitude 35°5: A luxury coastal retreat near Albany, WA, where silence, sweeping ocean views, and architectural elegance redefine relaxation.
Monica Tindall
Some places ask you to slow down. Latitude 35°5 makes it feel like you already have. Set above the curve of Goode Beach, this private coastal house folds light, silence and open space into every corner.
Latitude 35°5 – Luxury Holiday House, Albany
Twenty minutes from Albany, Latitude 35°5 offers seclusion that feels both rare and reassuring. The house sits on a granite rise with long views over Frenchman Bay, where days begin with the Southern Ocean catching morning sun and end beside a fire with a glass of something local. There’s no passing traffic, no awkward check-in, no fuss — just a considered, contemporary space that has everything you need, and nothing you don’t. Built with solitude, style and a sense of belonging in mind, it’s as well suited to winter hibernation as it is to barefoot summer dinners on the terrace.
Location
Latitude 35°5 occupies a rare pocket of the Great Southern where nature is still very much in charge. Cradled between the Southern Ocean and the slopes of Torndirrup National Park, the property is just above Goode Beach — a white-sand crescent so pristine it could be mistaken for a postcard, were it not so resolutely uncrowded. The only thing between the house and Antarctica is water, which helps explain the clarity of the light, the drama of the skies, and the sense that we’re standing on the edge of something vast.
This part of Western Australia is home to one of the world’s most ancient granite landscapes, formed over a billion years ago and shaped by millennia of wind, salt and shifting tides. The granite tors of nearby Bald Head are part of the Albany-Fraser Orogen — geological remnants from when Australia and Antarctica were still neighbours. It’s also a biodiversity hotspot: the surrounding heathlands support hundreds of endemic species, including rare orchids and carnivorous plants, while the waters offshore are part of the annual migration path for humpback and southern right whales.
Despite its rawness, the area is easy to explore. The popular Bald Head Walk Trail — a challenging 12.5km return — is just minutes away, and the quieter stretches of coastline are perfect for morning swims or beachcombing. Back at the house, the only sounds are birdsong, waves and the occasional rustle of wind through coastal scrub — the kind of quiet that resets your internal rhythm without asking.
Accommodation & Architectural Design
Latitude 35°5 is the product of internationally recognised architecture firm Grounds Kent Architects, completed in 2022. The house sits atop a natural granite outcrop — once we step inside, the surrounding rock formations feel less like backdrop and more like part of the living space. Double-height glazing captures panoramic 260° views over Frenchman Bay, Bald Head and beyond.
Internally, the aesthetic is deliberately restrained yet tactile. Crisp white walls and clean-lined forms provide a canvas for warm natural materials: locally sourced granite anchors the connection to place, while imported marble surfaces in the main suite and bathrooms introduce quiet elegance. Timber details throughout soften the visual palette — think board-lined ceilings, custom joinery and timber panelling that ages beautifully with time.
The living spaces are generously scaled for comfort and shared experience. A soaring central volume houses the lounge, dining for up to ten guests and a chef-grade kitchen, all positioned to maximise the ocean outlook. A large stone fireplace provides dramatic winter appeal, while in warmer months, the building’s materials and orientation help temper the interior climate.
Bedrooms are quietly sophisticated. A generous freestanding bath anchors the main suite, angled to frame the ocean through floor-to-ceiling glass. Slide open the doors and we’re on a private terrace, where the sea breeze joins the view for a more elemental experience. Three guest bedrooms, two with marble-lined en-suites, ensure everyone enjoys the luxury treatment.
Subtle yet deliberate design choices speak to the thoughtfulness behind the build: a 160-bottle wine cellar tucked discreetly behind the fireplace; a staggered layout that gives a sense of privacy; and stone-clad walls that mirror the rugged textures of Torndirrup’s granite coastline. Comfort hasn’t been overlooked either — heated flooring warms the main bathroom, central heating and cooling keep the interiors temperate year-round, and concealed power outlets in the kitchen maintain clean, uncluttered lines.
Grounds Kent Architects have created a house that both sits in and rises from its landscape — technically capable, visually arresting, and emotionally generous. The interplay of granite, marble, timber and glass delivers a contemporary sanctuary tailored to its coastal cliffside setting, while the precision of scale and detail confirms its standing as a significant architectural achievement.
Nearby Activities & Experiences
While the view from Latitude 35°5 might be reason enough to stay put, the surrounding region rewards curiosity. This part of the Great Southern offers a rare mix of elemental drama and refined experience — wild landscapes, excellent wine, serious produce, and just enough civilisation to keep things interesting.
For a gentle introduction to the area, take the coastal drive toward Frenchman Bay. Stop in at Discovery Bay’s Historic Whaling Station — now an immersive museum and botanic garden — to explore a surprisingly compelling slice of Albany’s industrial past, set against some of its most stunning coastal vantage points. Nearby, The Gap and Natural Bridge are geological icons worth seeing in person, with sheer cliffs, thunderous surf, and a cantilevered viewing platform that isn’t for the faint-hearted.
For food and wine, head inland to explore the region’s cool-climate credentials. Oranje Tractor is a biodynamic winery with a farm-to-glass ethos and a cellar door open only on Sundays. Monty’s Leap pairs views of the Kalgan River with elegant wines and refined regional fare, while Majuba Bistro in Albany brings European polish to local produce in a heritage setting. Local markets on Saturday mornings offer fresh fruit, preserves, and plenty of opportunity to chat with growers over a jar of something spiced and seasonal.
And then there’s the outdoors. Beyond the big-name trails of Torndirrup and Bald Head, consider a detour to Little Beach in Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve — a crescent of white sand and shockingly clear water, framed by granite boulders that look borrowed from a movie set. If you’re after something more active, sea kayaking and snorkelling in the calmer stretches of Frenchman Bay are possible in the right weather, while birdwatchers will find rich rewards in the surrounding heathlands and wetlands.
But for many guests, the best experiences come with the slow place of the stay itself — a book that finally gets read, a long lunch stretched across an afternoon, the flicker of firelight, and the feeling of being not just away, but elsewhere.
Stay Like A Pro: Latitude 35°5 Edition
Stock up early. There’s no minibar (although, there is a fabulous wine cellar) and no late-night corner store, so stop in Albany en route for provisions. Think fresh produce, breakfast essentials, and something delicious for sundowners on the terrace. If you’re lucky enough to time it right, the Albany Farmers Market (Saturday mornings) is the spot for local produce and small-batch everything.
Bring layers. Even in summer, the Southern Ocean likes to keep you guessing. A cashmere jumper and swimmers may well be required on the same day.
Don’t overschedule. Between the light, the views, and the deeply satisfying silence, this is a house that rewards stillness. A single well-chosen outing — a long walk, a winery lunch — pairs perfectly with an otherwise commitment-free day.
Know your whales. If you’re visiting between June and October, bring binoculars. Humpbacks, southern rights and the occasional blue whale make dramatic appearances just offshore.
Use the kitchen. This is no token kitchenette. It’s a chef-worthy setup designed for serious cooking, long dinners and uncorked evenings. That 160-bottle cellar wasn’t built for decoration.
Skip the shoes. The limestone terrace was made for bare feet, slow mornings, and unhurried coffees. Trust us on this one.
Latitude 35°5 Review
Latitude 35°5 dissolves the line between inside and out. Time seems to stretch with the view. Seclusion here feels entirely intentional, not incidental. There’s no traffic, no chatter—just us, the gourmet bounty of the region, and the Southern Ocean’s steady gaze. Everything we need is here, and nothing we don’t.
Reasons to stay at Latitude 35°5: spectacular ocean views; complete privacy near Albany; award-winning architectural design; chef’s kitchen and 160-bottle wine cellar; terrace made for barefoot mornings; marble en-suites in every bedroom; freestanding bath with floor-to-ceiling views; direct access to wild coastal trails; effortless stillness and seclusion.
Latitude 35°5
Karrakatta Rd, Goode Beach
WA 6330, Australia
Link to Latitude 35°5 on Google Maps
+61 455 033 001
www.latitude355.com
@latitude355
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