Totally CHARMING

The 1920s architecture of this Sydney home is undeniably appealing, but what lies beyond the heritage facade is a tale of the unexpected..

- Alexandra Gordon

Even before its radical transformation, this gracious 1920s home couldn’t have been more different to what its owners, Kate and Neil McDonald, had become used to. The couple and their children Isabella, 21, Joe, 19, Toby, 17, and seven-year-old Henry, live between Sydney and Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, the family home is a mid-century low-rise apartment. This heritage-listed property, in a leafy suburb on Sydney’s Upper North Shore, includes five bedrooms, a large garden and pool. “It’s the complete opposite of our apartment in Hong Kong,” says Kate. “We were attracted to the home’s size and its charming character.”

The home’s appeal is immediately apparent: a grand portico at the entrance gives way to light-filled, high-ceilinged rooms and an elegant outdoor entertaining area at the rear. But this building is more than just a pretty face. “The house is beautifully built,” says Kate. “The craftsmanship throughout is just superb.” The meandering layout is largely original to the era in which it was built, albeit with rooms put to more contemporary uses. Stepping through the front door, a lovely foyer leads to a large study/ media room, living room and formal dining room. Beyond is the kitchen, spacious family/playroom and a conservatory with access to the adjoining alfresco entertaining area. Upstairs, there are five bedrooms, a family bathroom and a vast teen retreat.