Glory days

Past and present are harmoniously aligned in this significant Sydney home where grand heritage features are enhanced by a chic contemporary overlay.

- JUDY PASCOE

The generous proportions and lavish original detailing in this 1840s house in Sydney's eastern suburbs is a reminder of times past when living was more genteel and romantic. In need of revitalising when the current owners bought it in 2018, four years later it is nothing short of a masterpiece, restored to its former grandeur while showcasing a new contemporary character.

With its enviable north-east harbourside location and 820sqm block the home has had a wealth of notable owners since its foundations were laid by convicts. From furniture retailing family the Waltons to Rupert Murdoch, the house has changed hands many times, with the previous owners in residence for 55 years.

For interior designer Kate Nixon of Studio Kate who was brought on board by architects Gina Geritis and Mariana Lorena of LiveinDesign, it was an amazing project. Undaunted by the scale of work to be tackled in the three-storey home, Kate set to work on the interior architecture, referencing the Beaux-Arts style by reinstating symmetry, restoring the classic architectural detailing and creating new arched openings. A hierarchy of spaces was established from the grand entrance through to the more functional rooms, connected by new French doors that admit an abundance of natural light and highlight the impressive vista of the sparkling harbour. Linking the formal living room with the front courtyard gardens and the formal dining room and kitchen with the covered balcony also created a better flow, and enhanced the indoor-outdoor feel.