Simon Whitbread
In the United Kingdom, where the homeowners of this lovely abode originate from, word has gotten out about the sunny oasis they call home on Sydney’s northern beaches. As summer rolls around, old friends and family are regular residents, lingering over a long lunch on the deck, or reclining with a magazine in the poolside gazebo. “They’ve been known to book years in advance!” laughs the homeowner.
It’s easy to see why. The verandah-clad home’s air of history and undeniable soul combined with its summery lifestyle magnetism are what caught the couple’s attention when they first inspected the 1910 home nearly four years ago. A series of highlights sequentially ticked off every box on the wishlist with gusto, from the shaker-style Hamptons-inspired kitchen with breezy outdoor connection, to the knock-out bathroom with original fireplace and claw-foot bath. “I just walked in and thought, ‘Yep, I can see myself in that bath with a glass of champagne!’” laughs the homeowner.
“We really love to stick with classic colours that never go out of fashion”
Homeowner
After the couple and their two teenage daughters had acclimatised in the home for a couple of years, they tweaked the existing footprint to a layout that better suited their lifestyle and needs, simultaneously refreshing the scheme with a classic and neutral aesthetic that evokes an airy calmness. A new bedroom for the couple was a major component of the works. “We wanted to walk into our bedroom and say, ‘Ahh’. That feeling of relaxation and calmness was really important,” explains the homeowner. “And I really wanted a bath overlooking the garden.” Sydney architect Michele McSharry designed a swoon-worthy set up with a freestanding tub, platform-perched and centre stage in the bedroom suite, taking in garden outlooks through the adjacent window while performing double-duty as a visual feature in its own right. The day spa vibe continues on the opposite side of the room, whee a large doorless bathroom radiates easy luxury.
A chandelier from Freshwater House.
Simon Whitbread
An ‘Amalfi’ bath by Victoria + Albert.
Simon Whitbread
An ‘oar’ towel rack from Alfresco Emporium.
Simon Whitbread
“It very much that feeling of escape – like a hotel – that we wanted to feel, every time we went in the bedroom”
Homeowner
An upstairs hallway cupboard was cleverly converted into a third bathroom, while a new island bench, total pool refurbishment and landscaping transformed the communal zones into social sweetspots. It is the perfect setting to host their busy daily lives, as well as accommodate the steady stream of Summertime guests, the latter creating the ultimate deadline for the renovation.
The effort was worthwhile, and today hosting is not only easy, but a pleasure. The garden cabana transitions into a second living room or poolside base for the kids, while the deck and pool are permanent crowd-pullers.
Architect: Michele McSharry, [email protected]
Builder: Graphite Constructions, [email protected]
Landscaping: Melaleuca Landscapes
“It’s really easy to get swept up with what’s on trend, but we like to stick with the classics. Everything in our home reflects our beachside location”
Homeowner
For more Hamptons inspiration, visit here.
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