Inside,right by the entrance,is a portrait I presume to be of Chalky,the Jack Russell who appeared on Rick's television shows. We've come to the right place.
And so we explore. Upstairs,the entrance hall opens up to chic,relaxed living and dining areas with a wood fire between them. Around the corner is the kitchen,complete with an overhead TV for cooking demonstrations.
As one would expect,it's lavishly equipped. (The piece of equipment we come to appreciate most is the second dishwasher:amazing how quickly those things fill up when you're feeding a crowd.)
Down the hall is the main bedroom with its original en suite,two queen bedrooms,two bathrooms and an extra kids'room with bunk beds. One of the bathrooms also has its bonkers original tiling;the other's more subtle modern mosaic was chosen to chime with that retro vibe.
Downstairs is a rumpus room and kitchenette,another main bedroom and en suite,and another queen bedroom and bathroom. The floors can be rented separately.
Outside is the jewel in the crown,a giant jacuzzi built from a water tank. Rick's notes to renters say:"We're told it's the second biggest in Australia. Have fun!"
And fun we have - the girls change into their swimmers the second they see it. Two others in our party would love to jump in,too. The dogs just can't understand why we won't share our spa.
After the swim and a sunset stroll on the rocks behind the house,it's time to turn up the heat in the jacuzzi. Plastic tumblers are filled with champagne. Stars are gazed at. It's a heady combination.
The next morning I manage a sleep-in but am told by the gang gathered on the deck that I missed a spectacular sunrise.
As the day goes on my plans to explore Mollymook fall away. I'm under the spell of this luxurious house. It's truly comfortable. All the bedrooms are large and face the sea. There are so many places to sit and read,or just sit and look out over the ocean.
All too soon it's time for the birthday dinner. The girls are young and my father isn't very mobile so we put off a meal in Rick's restaurant until another visit and head to the Pool Bar at Bannisters for cocktails and pizzas. Back at home we cut the cake,an ice cream and toffee creation worthy of Rick's kitchen.
As we settle back into the spa for more star-gazing we marvel that we've found the perfect beach retreat and plot our return.
TRIP NOTES
WHERERick's Place,Cliff Avenue,Mollymook.
GETTING THEREThree-hour drive south of Sydney.
HOW MUCHFrom $1000 a night for the full house Sunday-Thursday;$2000 Friday and Saturday (minimum stay three nights);$5000 a week.
PERFECT FOR Groups of up to 10.
SHAME ABOUT The 4pm check-in felt a little too late for us.
KUDOS Simple,stunning renovation.
TAKE THE KIDS? Definitely.