The Ambers invites you to pause, relax, and connect in a resort-style slice of paradise on five acres of native bushland on the mid-north coast of NSW. It’s the latest and arguably the most stylish addition to the holiday stay offer in Port Stephens, and the outcome is owing to a very close-knit team that is also closely connected to the property. 

The Ambers was previously the Bliss family home, built by Catherine and Matt Bliss in 1989. Here, they raised their children—Kain, Lauren, Ryley, and Kayla—and fostered many happy memories. Catherine and Matt have always worked in the construction industry, and three of their four now-adult children followed their path.  

Selling the home was never an option for the Blisses, so they’ve transformed it into a luxury holiday stay and events venue where the Bliss family (now including 13 grandchildren) can also comfortably gather. A true family endeavour, Kain Bliss and his team at Greenbuild Constructions oversaw the renovation, and it was co-designed by interior designers Lauren Charge (nee Bliss) and Jenn Bliss. Pinpoint Plumbing, owned by Ryley Bliss (Jenn’s husband), was on board, and Ryley also managed the landscaping. 

“It's been a real labour of love, that's for sure. It was a big one!” says Lauren about the dramatic transformation, which took nine months of construction with a long lead-up of design conception and planning. “It's quite nice because we can all just bounce ideas off each other and work together,” says Jenn. “It has been a real group effort.” 

The home's bones remain, but the intensive remodel of the exterior spaces included reconfiguring and expanding the pool and alfresco entertaining zones around the existing palm trees. There’s an outdoor bar and BBQ area, a waterslide, a tennis court, and firepits, all linked by crazy paving, lush lawns, and a blonde gravel that wouldn’t be out of place in a Mediterranean villa. 

Inside, the breezy, light-soaked living room with a sunken lounge overlooking the pool has benefited from the most significant structural changes. Kain and his team raised the roof, removed walls and added the expansive glazing. "The beautiful large windows and open layout were carefully designed to invite the lovely natural light in while framing the stunning views of the resort-style pool," says Jenn.

Enhancing the indoor-outdoor connection was a key inspiration for Lauren and Jenn’s finishes and furnishings selections. “Our goal was to keep everything neutral and natural, with warm, earthy tones to connect the interiors to the natural beauty of the surrounding bushland,”  says Lauren. “It creates a very calm palette, which is the emotion you want to evoke in a holiday stay,” Jenn adds. 

Limestone flooring spreads throughout the rooms, and the walls are painted in the softest shade of beige. Lauren and Jenn’s furniture selection incorporates oak, linen, and stone. “The jute rugs and runners from The Dharma Door add warmth and texture to the neutral palette,”  says Lauren, with Jenn adding, "High-quality jute baskets also bring in a beautiful sense of organic luxury to any space." 

The lighting fixtures are modern and organic, with travertine wall sconces and the classic linen round pendant featured. At night, the lighting scheme has a candlelight effect, evoking inviting cosiness. 

Separately, Jenn and Lauren hold proven track records of designing and running high-end destination retreats—Jenn with Talm Beach House in nearby Anna Bay and Lauren with Salt at Shoal Bay, also in Port Stephens. They understand what it takes design-wise to create an unforgettable stay that holidaymakers can’t wait to re-book.

“Everything has to be simplified and really pared back but also really durable,” Lauren shares. “It’s about finding that balance between functionality and aesthetics.” The sisters-in-law have implemented every practical consideration at The Ambers without compromising the earthy, opulent feel.

The bathrooms are minimalist and spa-like, with clean lines softened by an interplay of finishes, including micro cement, textured porcelain, and aged brass. The essentials supplied for guests, like hairdryers and extra towels, are stored in woven jute bowls from The Dharma Door. In the kitchen, the Sona Square baskets sit on the open shelves and visually minimise the clutter, while in the rumpus room—finished with bunk beds and a slide—jute baskets neatly contain toys and books for the kids. 

Families and large groups are welcome at The Ambers, and the amenities on offer indoors and out will please kids and adults alike. The sprawling, manicured setting will soon be available for weddings and large-scale events. 

Impressive on approach, the property instantly wows guests after they have travelled up the long driveway framed by 49 Liquidambar trees. Catherine planted them while eight months pregnant with Kain, and they are the inspiration behind the property’s new name. The trees are one of many elements that remind the Bliss’s of their warm history with the location. 

“It really still feels like home,” says Lauren. “The structure of the kitchen didn't change, and we retained the benchtops, and when I sit there now, I get flashbacks of Mum and Dad cooking or of fun parties and family events.” 

And what do Catherine and Matt think of the evolution of their treasured home, primed to continue inspiring special memories for many years to come? “Mum and Dad love it and are so happy with it. Mum actually said she wants to move back in now! I don't blame her—it's turned out so beautifully!” Lauren shares.

Written by Jessica Bellef | Images by Nat Spada Photography @natspadaphotography
www.theambers.au | Builder & Architect: Greenbuild Contructions | Designers: Lauren Charge and Jenn Bliss