Tiny homes offer a remote escape immersed within nature, but the floating villa that is Lilypad Palm Beach takes the isolated nature of this style of lodging to the next level.
Positioned just offshore of Sydney’s Palm Beach, Lilypad is an architecturally designed tiny home surrounded by calm waters.
The floating home has become one of Australia’s most sought-after weekenders, but in devastating news to the dwelling’s owner, locals, and keen holiday-makers, Lilypad at Palm Beach was destroyed in a fire on Sunday, September 20.
“We can confirm that Lilypad Palm Beach has today been irreparably damaged by a fire on board. Thankfully no one was on board at the time so it’s only a matter of property damage,” an official statement from Lilypad reads.
In the early afternoon, NSW Fire and Rescue crews were called to attend to the blaze in Pittwater Bay. Officials reportedly say two guests were staying on the property when the fire occurred, but managed to “self-evactuate” into the water surrounding the pontoon.
Offering total luxury in isolated solitude, the dwelling had floated as an overnight hotel, unique events space, or tranquil day spa.
Lilypad Palm Beach is the brainchild of designer and engineer Chuck Anderson. The passionate local worked with a team of nautical engineers to bring his vision to life of an off-grid luxury escape surrounded by nothing but water.
Run entirely on the sun’s energy, the off-grid capabilities of Lilypad were just one example of how the home is designed to respect its pristine landscape.
The exterior is clad with sun-stained timber panels designed to patina over time from the corrosive and salty atmosphere. It’s beautiful yet serves a dual purpose of helping the abode blend into the environment to ensure privacy from nosey onlookers.
Inside, the villa is decorated with high-end minimal furniture in a neutral colour palette. The living quarters are split over two storeys — the open-plan lounge, kitchen, and bathroom are on the first floor while the upstairs space is reserved for a king bed.
Lilypad was thought out as the ultimate escape in luxury. While a stay here does not come cheap ($1,650 per night), a getaway does come with a bunch of inclusions.
Guests typically recieve a tasting plate and champagne on arrival, dinner, breakfast from The Boathouse Palm Beach, access to an on-board wine cellar, a private self-drive tender, and use of stand-up paddleboards and fishing gear.
Extra experiences can also be arranged, like private transfers on a Sydney seaplane, on-board massages, private chefs, and itineraries to explore nearby beaches and restaurants.