The home A four-bedroom holiday villa on a private beach about 20 minutes out of Port Vila, Vanuatu.
Who lives here Journalist Pat Ingram, her publisher husband Craig Osment and their family – son Justin, his partner Georgie, and grandchildren Anouska, 11, and Dashiell, 3.
The wraparound verandah is a favourite spot, and usable in all weather.Credit: Steffen Burggraaf
What we did "We bought the land on impulse while walking along the beach one morning," says Pat. "We basically built the house by email, using local project managers. There's a wraparound verandah and ocean views from every room. We wanted a tropical feel, so have shutters with no glass." The décor is simple: casual white cotton, Oriental rugs and striped cushions.
Strategic lighting throughout the garden gives a magical atmosphere at night.
Our favourite room "The main pavilion, with its soaring ceiling," says Pat. "But the verandah is where we spend most time, as it's usable in any weather."
During the design phase, the owners ensured all bedrooms faced the ocean to catch the sea breeze.
The 'hood' "While the area is secluded, there are two small resorts with restaurants a short walk away," says Pat. "The neighbours are a wonderfully cosmopolitan lot who tend to simply wander off the beach to visit with a bottle in hand. The whole island is fabulously relaxed and informal."
The home's main pavilion area, with its soaring ceilings, has plenty of room for lounging and reading.
Future plans Rebuilding the faré (beach hut) after 2015's Cyclone Pam.
A barbecue sits next to the faré – ideal for grilling lobsters caught straight off the reef
Pat Ingram is editorial director of Sunday Life.