OPEN HEART

With interiors inspired by the tones of the beautiful natural backdrop, this Sydney family home epitomises everyday elegance.

- Jackie Brygel

TERRACE An extension to the main living space, visitors can step out to enjoy the bayside surrounds. Bertoia ‘Diamond’ chairs, Dedece. Element firepit, Tait. Quartzite cobblestone paving, Amber Tiles.

ENTRY Opposite Del Rio lamp, Lucy Montgomery. Vedere sculpture with plinth, Greg Natale. Anita Le Grelle for Serax vase, Becker Minty. Chambered Chimera Form with Inclusion 1 sculpture by Asahi So, Saint Cloche. Girl with Green Parrot painting by Annabelle Gfeller.

Perched high above glistening Diamond Bay in Sydney’s east, one family’s new hideaway commands attention. Poised to captivate all who step inside, the home serves up its natural setting as a living artwork.

As the sun goes down, there’s much to charm residents and guests within the walls, too, making the house a true sanctuary for owners Brooke and Bram Page.

When the parents of four bought the property in 2014, the 700-square-metre site was home to a nondescript 1920s cottage. “We lived in the original home for a few years, and we’re very glad we did as it gave us a really good sense of where the light comes in at various times of the day, as well as in different seasons,” says Bram, managing director of Bramford Property. “I think that was a massive advantage when it came to designing a new residence on the block.”

While the decision was made to demolish the ageing bungalow, its brick foundations remained intact. “Our new home sits on the same footings as the original house,” says Bram. “We decided to retain those, as well as the existing garage.”