Good Neighbours

Having spotted the potential in the site next door, a Sydney family made moves to take advantage of the very special location.

- Judy Pascoe

Having lived next door to this property on Sydney’s Lower North Shore for several years, owner Priscilla and her husband were very aware of the potential it offered.

So when the property came on the market, they quickly took the opportunity to buy.

The house needed to be totally rebuilt, however, and plans were drawn up by architects Fox Johnston. Since Priscilla’s husband had experience with building several properties, he picked up the project-management reins and then engaged interior architect Romy Alwill of Alwill Interiors to provide the fixtures, finishes and furniture.

“The owners wished to create a spectacular but grounded home for their family,” says Romy. “They really wanted to lift this house above what they had done previously.” The brief was for ‘luxurious warmth’ but the house also had to be practical for their two teenagers. And its spectacular bay views were to be the focus.

“The main thing we wanted was to have the living areas opening to a level lawn with a pool overlooking the view,” says Priscilla. “We didn’t want an upside-down house, with the living areas upstairs and the bedrooms downstairs.”