24 Monday Jun 2013
Posted in Uncategorized
75 Undercliff Rd Freshwater has sold to a local buyer.
One of my all time favourites sold on the weekend – through the combined listing of Clarke & Humel and LJ Hooker Seaforth. Chenchow Little design… Robyn Boyd winner.
$4.5million well spent!
23 Sunday Jun 2013
Posted in Uncategorized
Tags
Whoever said you can’t buy class – well they’ve clearly never seen this immaculate property in the quiet of Duffys Forest
I like to arrive early at house inspections (in fact I like to arrive early everywhere, an annoying habbit for everyone but me). It allows me time to take in the atmosphere without pressure from agents or owners hovering over me.
The 10 minutes I had to myself outside 5 Kinka Rd were superb.
I heard a rooster crow and a nearby horse snorting from behind a manicured hedge and I watched gnats play chasings in the wintery light. Not another sound or movement occurred.
This is peace at it’s richest.
Guided through the grand double (electric) gate and along the manicured (again) buxus lined driveway, through the park-like grounds, it is a crazy amount of time before arriving at the turning circle and the front door. This is an entrance.
The delightful and chirpy owner and two lovable black labs greeted me at the door and the tour continued.
The inside of this gracious, two-storey home is filled with light, with the sun throwing patterns of french window panes across the carpet. The sunken, formal lounge, lined to the ceiling with bespoke bookcases filled with well read tomes draw visitors into its embrace, with the promise of good conversation in front of the central fireplace.
A look back across the room and you see a piano tucked into a sunny nook, a view of the garden a certain inspiration for creating beautiful music almost within reach, through a large picture window.
As we pass through the hall, with yet another window beckoning, the owner mentions how it was she who put the window there, after wondering what piece of artwork would look best hung on the wall.
She said she soon realised what art would look best – the unbeatable view of the glorious and ever changing grounds that roll on to the horizon, punctuated by specimen trees and curious objets.
The dining room, casual lounge and kitchen, then study and guest quarters stretch out along the flagged veranda. Every conceivable space opens up to the huge lawn, tennis court and pool, and in return the view and sunlight fill the rooms,
This is a house designed for families to play cricket, footy or badminton on a grand scale – hide and seek must be an all day affair.
There is a TV room in glamorous grey near the circular staircase that leads to the bedroom level. Every bedroom has, not just oodles of space, but heavy doors on the wardrobe and storage spaces that reinforce the notion that this is a solidly built home.
At the other end of the floor is the master suite, with breathtaking views from the juliet balcony and a dressing room worthy of royalty.
The utilitarian aspects of the home are equally well designed, the bathrooms spacious and modern, the kitchen enormous with a welcoming bar for those lucky enough to sit and watch a meal revealed.
Just a few steps away and more chance to be outside, where a large dining set sits between house, pool, and garden.
A better place to contemplate a wintery day is hard to imagine.
A home unlike any other, as warm as a summer morning and beguiling in its beauty awaits a lucky family.
Prue Miller is a writer with News Ltd and can be read in The Sunday Telegraph, The Daily Telegraph and Manly Daily
03 Monday Jun 2013
Posted in Uncategorized
Tags
The striking rear aspect of 14 Abbott St Balgowlah
Balgowlah Heights is a blue ribbon area, with expensive houses lining the broad streets and avenues. It is a typical street of the northern beaches – which is why award winning architect Vince Squillace, a huge fan of the area, lives here with his family in this intriguing home that he built for himself.
“I’m the client, well my wife and I were the client in the design of this house,” said Vince, who said the process was a breeze. “She likes my brilliant ideas!,” said Vince with a laugh.
The home is interesting on approach, and being on the highest point of the suburb the three levels are etched dramatically against the sky.
Past the security gate, the entrance is a subtle transition from outside to inside. A glass roof and ‘deck’ like boards soon give way to Venus marble flooring in the main section of the home.
The front rooms of the house refer to the earier architectural style of the area, offering intimate spaces, before the journey into the home’s open plan heart.
Without doubt the living room, come kitchen is the centre of family life, though that is no reason to drop the design standard and Vince has kept that high. The ceiling is, unusually, a focal point with a playful timber lining. People familiar with Squillace design will see echoes here in the strong use of lines, both vertical and horizontal which add drama and interest to the design. The kitchen slips unobtrusively into the living room, with ample space and useful butlers pantry – while the whole area, bathed in northerly light, is walled in glass doors that reveal an equally linear backyard with manicured bamboo. level lawn and plunge pool.
The dining area is up a demi-level and opens at one end to a private outside deck that overlooks the pool, and the other end opens to the sitting room.
Although everything flows, this floor has rejected vast open spaces, and instead has human proportions that welcome an active and interactive family.
Every inch of the home is purposeful, whether storage space, or study area without feeling crowded or cramped.
Extra delight is found one more flight up – where a home office can be found. You can see how the architect of the exciting home has managed to keep the best to himslef in this rooftop eyrie. Walk through the glass door to a breathtaking rooftop terrace with a view that spans 270 degrees and includes everything from mountain tops to the harbour lights.
Don’t you just love it when your expectations, such as visiting this craftsman’s own home, are not only met, but well and truly exceeded. If you are searching for special – inspect soon.
Prue Miller writes for several News Ltd publications
02 Sunday Jun 2013
Posted in Uncategorized
More than a renovation, yet not quite a new build, the unfolding life story of 24 Makim St Balgowlah is there for all to see, incorporated in this sharply contemporary home.
Jo Ingelton, a former adverting executive and husband Darrin Ingleton a qualified stone mason, are not newbies when it comes to re-visioning homes, but this particular build was a first for them. It wasn’t just the elevated view that drew them to the post war bungalow, it was the outstanding sandstone features.
The original property
As it turns out this house, and its neighbour were the first home to be built on the brand new street. Ex Serviceman Ted and his wife Val, felt compelled to use the sandstone found on their block to create their new home, and Ted went about the arduous and exacting business of refining the stone and creating a grand entrance to the front door.
When the Ingletons bought the home, they knew the staircase and as much sandstone as possible would have to be retained and with help from architect John Bowry they created a home that enveloped the staircase into the first floor living area.
The rough hewn (albeit repointed by Darrin) texture, and golden warmth are contrasted and balanced brilliantly against the slick tile and glass format of the new building.
In fact the whole building is balanced well, the weight of the staircase balanced by multiple voids and clean white and black decor that allow the vast windows to stand out. The view from both levels of the house have wide elevated views, with the upper level’s even more imposing offering with no visible means of support from the hard edge finish of the glass.
Jo’s advertising styling has come to the fore with strong design decisions, such as the black master bedroom – which is as daring as it is delightful.
The modern conveniences of Corian benchtops, CIBO Design bathrooms and custom cabinetry are evident, yet do not detract from the homes sandstone core.
Rather than a mansion it is a clever and interesting home that intrigues the eye at every level while never allowing visitors to forget the home’s heritage. In fact, for those who wish to see the handywork of the original owner, step out to the rear garden path, and see his signature preserved right there, there in the concrete.
Ted never lived to soo the completion of his original home, but if there is any justice in this universe, he is able to see it now, in all it’s 21st century beauty.
Prue Miller writes for News Ltd
My Blog 