Rolling waves and shell lined shores,
Blue skies and white clouds.
ABOUT
Sagres (pronounced sa gruhs) came about as Susannah and Rupert Clarke visited Sagres, Portugal, on their honeymoon. Nestled on the southwestern tip of Portugal, Sagres is a captivating destination known for its enchanting beauty and rich history. This coastal gem entices visitors with its pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and breathtaking landscapes. Until the 15th century, it was believed this was the world's end – as the sea stretched away. When Rupert and Susannah were building their dream beach house in Queenscliff, Sagres was the name that came to mind.
Sagres is all Susannah (Lady Clarke) as she had the foresight and will to find the block, engage the late Wayne Gillespie (architect) and, many years later, purchase the other block that runs off the main road. It was purely the right time that this spot was available, as the search started back in the late 1980s.
The house was built in 1991 by Lady Clarke, and Sagres is a modest, contemporary abode distinctively designed by the late architect Wayne Gillespie. This incredible three-story house overlooks the picturesque water of Nuns Beach and the heads of Port Phillip Bay, providing breathtaking views of the sea and the ships as they make their way out of Melbourne and Geelong Ports. Sagres has been updated in 2022 to embrace the modern era whilst remaining in check with Wayne’s architectural vision.
YOUR HOST
Hi, I’m Jo Youl (nee Clarke), and this is my parent's beach house they built in the early 1990's. We grew up renting a holiday house at Pt Lonsdale every year, which we absolutely loved. My father, Rupert, loves boating, and we all enjoyed being around the ocean as we lived full-time on a farm (north of Melbourne). I went to school and university in Geelong and I have a deep connection with the region.
I now live on Flinders Island with my three kids and husband. We have been here for over 12 years and run an Angus cattle farm (Quoin Farm), a food store in Whitemark and multiple accommodation properties at Killiecrankie under On Island Time.
The vision of Wayne Gillespie's architecture has lasted the test of time; all the spaces he created are still outstanding. Emily (my friend and interior designer) and I completed a significant renovation in 2022, and the new garden and pool were completed in late 2023.
I hope you love this house as much as we do x
THE ARCHITECTURE
Distinctively designed by architect Wayne Gillespie and lovingly renovated in 2022, SAGRES embraces the modern era whilst maintaining its original vision to create beautiful and functional spaces inspired by the Mediterranean coastline.
Wayne Gillespie designed Sagres to be a beach house; functional, comfortable and with the most spectacular views. Wayne’s designs are well known for their proportions and Sagres is no exception. As you walk up the first inspiring staircase you’ll get a peek of the first of many breathtaking views of Queenscliff’s Nuns Beach.
It was important that the updated interiors complimented the original design while allowing the surroundings to soak in from the comfort of relaxed organic fibres. Layers of neutral tones and textures build a base for colour, soft patterns and fun objects.
This luxury Queenscliff-based house is a brilliant mix of colour and texture in a beautiful and calm environment that you’ll never want to leave.
THE DESIGN
Interior specialist, Emily Fitzgerald has worked alongside Lady Clarke and daughter, property entrepreneur, Jo Youl to create beautiful and functional spaces for families or couples wanting to spend some quality time together. The timeless aesthetic has been inspired by the Mediterranean coastline.
Emily & Jo have hand picked some of Australia’s best furniture, art and textiles to add layers to the house and bring it to life.
Bright mornings, as the sun peeps through the curtains, soft linens brushing against your skin. The ocean calling your name. The sweet smell of fresh fruit and coffee flowing into your room. Tranquil summer nights inspire us. Fresh Seabreeze, cheese, wine. Swimmers on, toes coated in sand. Sagres around your waist.
Inspired by summer holidays spent on the Italian coastline, warm days, ocean breeze. The radiant colours of the sky from sunrise to sunset, layers of pink, orange and yellow. The feeling of the sun touching your skin. Mother nature, a constant inspiration. Rolling waves and shell lined shores. Blue skies and white clouds. A rising moon and a setting sun. Forever illuminating our creative side and boosting colours through our designs.
Holidays consisting of sunny days, bright smiles and vibrant colours. Fresh produce and a glass of chilled red in hand. Earthy moments spent by the sea, collecting a range of coloured shells and immersing in crystal clear water.
QUOIN THE LABEL
Inspired by the rugged landscape and raw beauty of Sagres, Queenscliff & Flinders Island in Bass Straight, we create limited-edition textiles for the wild at heart.
Our love of the water runs deep here at Quoin the label. From our island home, we have designed luxurious towels that are inspired by this incredible place. Our designs this season are a nod to our partner venture, On Island Time, an accommodation and restaurant collective on Flinders Island. The colours chosen for each design are reflective of the unique natural landscape around each property.
Sagres collections are available now to purchase!
