Match fit

A tennis court was the icing on the cake for this luxurious home that boasts an impressive suite of facilities for both exercise and entertainment.

- JUDY PASCOE

For a family of enthusiastic tennis players this home is just ideal. Located in Sydney's eastern suburbs on an expansive block with impressive harbour views, the tennis court is one of the focal points of the property that is akin to a luxurious family compound with its synergistic flow between fitness, wellness, relaxation and entertaining facilities.

Before settling on the purchase in early 2022 the owners consulted interior designer Kate Nixon who had worked on the family's two previous homes. Designed by architect Michael Suttor more than 20 years ago, the three-level house is classically proportioned with an elegant facade and portico entrance.

With six bedrooms, five bathrooms, three powder rooms, an office, study, multiple living and dining areas, a gym, cinema, billiards room, playroom, bar and cellar, sauna, steam room, pool, spa and self-contained guest accommodation there is ample space for visiting family that includes six small grandchildren.

The task for Kate and her team was to refresh the interior in a style that suited the owners' personality and taste. "The generous proportions and luxurious appointments for compound-style family living attracted the owners," says Kate, "And their desire was for an elegant and sophisticated interior that was practical and comfortable." 

Rejigging the layout was the first priority, with the basement garage and services area transformed into the self contained guest accommodation, cinema and wellness retreat that includes a gym, spa, sauna, steam room and laundry. Large-format natural limestone tiles were laid here as well as in the refurbished tennis chill lounge, billiards bar and climate controlled, walnut-veneered cellar.