BUILDER and owner Peter Trew has been in the building game a long time and is perhaps not easily impressed, but when he saw this block of land he knew it was something very special.”I couldn’t believe you could get this sized block, especially on top of a cliff, in a gated community,” he said during our walk around his simply sublime home.

He attributed the success of this three storey ocean side retreat to his great relationship with leading North Shore architect Mark Hercum.

“We understood each other,” said Peter of their easy and successful collaboration on this solid as a rock home.

Their clever, though unconventional decisions have made this house immensely liveable. The pool for instance, an elevated 15m strip of brilliant blue, is placed down the side the house, rather than in the conventional location across the front of the house.

“It’d be crazy out there – the winds can be strong,” said Peter. At the side of the house there is complete privacy, well proportioned shade and the chance to interact with the central courtyard where family and friends have fun while watching the kids swim, or splash along with the little kids in the brilliantly conceived 15m companion pool.

Nor have they wasted space with exterior decks on the cliff side of the house. The lounge room appears to jut out into the ocean, a sensuous 300 degree curved glass wall wraps around the creme carpeted expanse, with sliding doors that open wide, with people protected behind elegant balustrading.

A few steps away is the dining area and then the cool recess of the giant kitchen. Dark mushroom tones are a welcome contrast to the bright light of the glass walls, and the well outfitted culinary centre can cater for any number of lucky guests.

It is an entertainers’ home; one floor down (though it can be overlooked from the gantry) is a generous room with space for the pool table, screening area, wet bar and huge opening to the driveway bay.

Despite the big proportions of everything here (even the translucent front door is enormous) the dynamic layout allows for continuing interest as rooms and views reveal themselves slowly.

Sleeping quarters are plentiful, with options for guests, children, even a nursery space (or study) is located near the exceptional master suite. Here again curves are celebrated, with a very private terrace offering a view to the ocean’s horizon. It’s hard to think what luxury is missing here – when asked if he could think of anything he may have missed Peter’s gaze turned out toward the ocean.

“A helipad. And this house is so strong it could take it,” he said with well deserved pride in a grand property.

Prue Miller is a journalist with News Ltd and can be read in The Sunday Telegraph, The Daily Telegraph and The Manly Daily

PERHAPS it was the glistening drive around the Serpentine, winding my way down to Bilgola Ave, but by the time I came across home owner Rowena McGilvray watering the front garden, with 4yr old son Ben at her side, I was already in love with this house.

Rowena is the creative soul behind this boldly beautiful home which she has not gutted, but rather renovated to perfection. She explained on the way up the wide and welcoming front stairs that it was she who determined to make the steps this wide, and to keep the font of the house, including the front door, filled with simple glass.

“I wanted this house to be welcoming from the moment you arrived here.” And it is. From that front door the home seems to open up, with your line of sight immediately drawn through the house, through the enormous opening to the terrace (central to the living areas of the house) and out to the towering cabbage palms.

The main living area is a very big space, though not cavernous, nor fussy. The broad planks of the floor are not highly polished; the planks milled from recycled timber found in a Lidcombe factory. The ceiling retains the original battens, that intersect around the perfectly chosen overhead fans that lazily spin from their well designed fittings  around the house. A casual, classy Hamptons feel has rarely been captured so well.

As we stop for a cup of tea, there is time to admire the very long `kitchen’ bench topped in a gold flecked marble, over white painted cabinetry. The teas are, however, made in the very generous walk through butler’s pantry.

Across from here is another lounge area, that fits around an enormous fireplace with a sandstone clad chimney breast, besides which is a special spot I had admired in pictures, and quite literally adored in real life. The perfect window seat. “We all fight over who gets to sit here,” said Rowena as Ben jumped up to show me how he could stretch all the way out and still have room to spare.

As we walk toward the rear of the house, we pass three three large bedrooms where the McGilvrays’ four children rest their lucky heads and then enter their lounge wing.

“They have their own entrance,” said Rowena, pointing to the rear boundary through more enormous windows.

While Rowena and Ben struggle with a stubborn toy I went up stairs to the master bedroom, with it’s cute cape cod roof lined and painted timber ceilings and ample ensuite. Ben ran up the stairs and assures me it is a “loverly “house.

“The bones of this house,” said Rowena with admiration, “they were here when we arrived, and we couldn’t make it any better than it was.” However, I disagree. She is a highly talented designer and decorator, who has created a stunning family home that is more than welcoming, it is enchanting.

Prue Miller is a journalist with News Ltd and can be read in The Sunday Telegraph, The Daily Telegraph and The Manly Daily – on paper and online.

Deck the halls? That’s just silly.

It’s that time of year when people have pause to consider their homes. Add a deck? Paint a hall? How about a stable?

I’ve seen a lot of fabulous homes this year – and some absolute dogs as well. At the same time, I have taken the bold step of finishing my own renovation, and even today, Christmas Eve, the final big (orange!) piece arrived the shape of the new lounge suite (that looked a lot smaller in the showroom….)

Hit or miss? Ask me tomorrow.

As for who’s been naughty and who’s been nice in real estate this year….

Loved, loved, loved the Palm Beach lady Norma House …it went for $2.75m, but managed to keep it nice.

5a Wyuna – as a family space I thought this worked perfectly. It took a while to sell, which amazed me. I would have taken it in a second.

29 Brooker? Futuristic, spacious, but perhaps that toilet in the bedroom was a miss… still on the market

I did have a love affair with Ruskin Rowe, and parts of Barrenjoey Rd … and who could say no to Minkarra Rd Chateau? I felt right at home in the commercial sized kitchen.

Loved most of the boathouses – but not the ones with goat track access. Disappointingly most of the over 55’s establishments were dull. There must be an architect out there somewhere who can make these homes dynamic. Anyone

Gosh, who could go past 961 Barrenjoey Rd Palm Beach – so gorgeous I wrote about it twice, including a spread in the Sunday Telegraph. This is a fabulous, breathtaking, still family friendly home, with the best waterside lifestyle I have seen to date (with masses of deck space – you never feel like the pool is clinging to the edge of the property –sensational). Perhaps the very snappy inclinator helps – I don’t now.

But this one holds a big soft spot in my heart. A chefs dream kitchen with a walk in cool room, and walk out views. They delightful and very charming owners have blended the formal and informal areas with a deft and tasteful touch – did I mention the 2000 bottle wine cellar? This is a standout home.

And for the weird but wonderful – what was called the Star Trek house for marketing purposes was indeed out of this world. Blankets of glass, white walls that curved almost sensuously along corridors of brilliant white travertine. And a master bedrooom in the bow of the ship – outstanding. My story on this whipped around the country at warp speed – but the home /ship is still awaiting a new crew.

Next year? I can hardly wait.

Prue Miller writes a column in the Sunday Telegraph, and is a property features writer for Nationwide News.

The owner of this astounding home suggests that it might suit down sizers. ”They can just lock and go”, she says, though for the life of me I can’t imagine why you would ever leave.

From the outside the curve of the roofline tells a seaside inspired story, with glimpses through the ever so slightly green tinted glass to the sky beyond giving you the distinctly peaceful sensation of being inside a giant crystal clear wave.

The secure entry brings you to a giant, glass door pivot door, and into the realm of kid heaven. A billiard room with wet bar and loo, and three bedrooms,  each big enough to take a queen bed with room to spare. Each room also has glass door access to the side terrace which leads to the very generously proportioned courtyard complete with fire pit and water feature.

The limestone floor tiles continue up the very grand, circular staircase featuring heavy stainless steel balustrading that is a clear reference to cruise ships of a refined era.

On the second floor you are truly inside the wave. The vaulted ceiling, at its peak, appears to be ten metres in height  with those divine green tinted windows sending light around the vast room, changing the wall colours as it moves.

A further nod to the era of elegance is the flawless parquetry, which holds a mirror finish. The staircase entry is the centre point of the second floor, a giant room that captures water views close to 360 degrees. From here you can see out to the long, slim pool (which has underwater windows to the entry below), and to the outside barbecue area. There are sitting areas scattered everywhere, the one nearest to the pool side has a full wall of  breeze capturing louver windows. “We can capture or avoid the breezes”, said Rebecca. “We just move to the other side of the house.”

The other side is where the grand kitchen resides, a picture of sparkling pale granite which opens to its own balcony, where the sunsets beckon. This aspect offers more than the ocean view, adding a beach aspect plus lagoon and district views.

“This is the most spectacular view at night”, said the owner “And when the lagoon is full,  it just reflects everything.”

It would be a hard choice each day;  which of the three terraces to enjoy? Each one seems to offer entirely different experiences  with an underlying commonality of sheer luxury.

Which leads to the  mentioning of two more pieces of sheer indulgence: the dumb waiter which services the garage level (sending your groceries up to the kitchen for you), and hidden away on the lower level is a steam room.

Lock and go? You’d have to be barking mad.

Prue Miller writes for News Ltd

IT’S in a tangle of private driveways and windy lanes, so once you find the entrance to 27 Rayner Rd you’ve almost lost track of how high you are, and what might be in store.

Indeed the first view is a shady barbecue area, away from the glare of the water and sun. It would be an ideal retreat on hot days or balmy evenings.

On entering the house the first thing that strikes you is that“new house” smell, despite the fact the house is 12 months old

And then your senses are overcome by the huge ocean view.

It stretches from Whale Beach to your left, all the way past Killcare and out to sea.

It is breathtaking and makes most visitors stop dead in their tracks when they see it.

Glass louvres and aluminium doors bring the sensational view, the breeze and the light into the house in bucket loads, while the beautifully designed Jetmaster fireplace hints at what it must be like in winter to sit comcozy cosy and contented with that view at your fingertips and the underfloor heating at your toes.

The adjacent kitchen is lean and Caesarstone sleek, designed to blend into the background of this view-driven property.

The three levels are handled in a sort of loft style, with exposed staircases between floors.

The upper floor holds the main bedroom with a very generous bathroom and walk-in wardrobe, while the lowest floor is more about playtime.

This level has another, bigger living area with space to sprawl jlon the sofa or sit at a casual table and peruse the papers. Out the door is another delightful kickback option in the sparkling shape of a magnificent swimming pool.

With its infinity edge, and the illusion of being suspended, the fully mosaic-tiled and gas-heated pool is as much an architectural feature as a practical one.

There is a sun terrace and a courtyard here, as well as two bedrooms all within a few steps of a sunbake (yes, I know, unhealthy and all that, but with protection sunbathing is a simply delicious way to unwind).

Wide European floor boards keep the house light, and storage keeps the home clever.Lockable walk-in cupboards are available for those who may consider renting the stylish property out. Weekend escape travellers flock to Whale Beach and often end up dreaming of owning such an extraordinary piece of real estate.

Willow trees and wallabies make it home

Some homes just invite you through the door, and make you immediately welcome as Prue Miller found at Bayview.

GILWINGA Dr has very little traffic, and lots of birds and trees which in part explains why the homes here are so attractive  and in particular the slightly hidden No.18. On walking down the palm lined drive (and there are two double garages here) you are aware of an awful lot of roof, then you notice the perfect child sized front lawn. This is a family house.

Walk in the front door the first wow! hits you as you pass under the atrium, and turn into a fabulously dramatic kitchen and dining room. From the dark floor to the stainless steel light fittings this is a room you want to spend time in  so its fortunate a big dining table is here. An added delight is the double glass-door entrance to the wine cellar that sits at one end of the table, while at the other end is entry to the shady courtyard barbecue area.

From here the house unfolds into different levels, different ceiling heights but constant good design.

The upper floor main bedroom suite has balcony doors opening to the private forest and below that is the large sunny pool. Its been a long time since willow trees have been apparent in Sydneys gardens, but here their sleepy bows add to the restful nature of the home.

There are many living areas, large and small, which add interest to the layout, including a cosy cinema couch, near the formal dining, beyond which is the staircase down to the main lounge.

However, everywhere leads to the outside view and once you enter the pool level you are again greeted with more sandstone paved entertaining areas that ring the outside of the home.

At every point you are reminded by both the privacy offered and the relaxed layout that at 4,407sqm this is a large block of land. In the backyard there is still more space for kids to play safely around the pool (occasionally joined by kangaroos), or for the bigger kids there is access via a gate and quaint bridge for exploration or escapades around the brook and bush.

Many homes in this neck of the woods are seen as holiday places, or weekend retreats and frankly they feel like it. But this one – this one – is a family home.

Prue Miller is a journalist with News Ltd

There are few styles of architecture that make you smile with delight, but Art Deco must surely be one of them. The optimism and whimsy of that era is unfailingly attractive, its bold curves and wide picture windows reflect an overt optimism of a generation – and perhaps a fascination with the sophistication of ocean travel.

On Whale Beach Rd, just north of the Norma Rd intersection, sits a little blink-and-you’ll-miss-it garage and front door. The only clue to what lies below is attached to the wall in scripted metal: Orcades.

Constructed in the 1930’s this three to four level home is steeped in the art deco style, that was once referred to as ‘P&O’ – which in this case would have been appropriate as the Orcades is the name of three ocean liners, two of which belonged to the P&O Orient lines.

Once inside this rather snug house the nautical theme becomes immediately apparent with the shiny chromium handrails and balustrades around the stair that leads downstairs from the foyer entry.

There are lots of interesting angles and cupboards and hidey holes in a design from this era, but an absolute show stopper is found off the sunroom. Here is an undercover one person sized balcony looking out to sea. If ever there was a place designed for meditation, and clear positive thought, this is it.

The other extraordinary feature on this level is the original black tiled bathroom, with porthole    windows and some sort of sea creature’s mouth acting as the bath spout – but then again, how could you go past the cute as a button blue kitchen, or the hidden Turkish bath?

It’s got a price tag of around $6million which takes into account the three land titles that guarantee this coastline beauty.

Prue Miller is a journalist with Manly Daily

Theres a touch of the 1940 film Philadelphia Story about this elegant property writes Prue Miller

Fabulous Grant and Hepburn in The Philadelphia Story 1940

It would seem fitting to see Katherine Hepburn lounging by the pool colonnade, with Cary Grant sprinting across the perfectly level lawn.  Without doubt this is a home for romantics.

Set near the end of the prestigious Castle Circuit the original developer kept this one block, the cherry on the cake, for himself. Found at the end of a long private driveway, lies a single level, low profile and private home that looks out to a remarkable view of waterways and bushland.

The house is long, with most rooms taking on the view through immaculately maintained original, wood framed, windows and doors. Visitors enter into a small foyer and walk into the large combined living area, the floor covered in a highly polished parquetry timber, with rarely seen inlaid patterns.

The ceilings are not high, and the undercover and expansive patio beside the lake sized pool is similarly low. The effect of this wide screen illusion is that when you step beyond the patio the view seems to explode before your eyes.

The most breathtaking room is perhaps the  master bedroom; super sized and surrounded in glass and affording absolute privacy the room is positioned at just the right angle to have a view that reaches up the waterways and over headlands to Sydney Tower.

Owner and former finance industry CEO John Barnes speaks adoringly of the property. “We were very lucky to spend twenty years there,” he said from his new harbour side apartment in Birchgrove.

“Plus we had access to our own mooring, and our kids were always water skiing ,” he recalled. The Barnes family had their choice of homes, but while Mosman and Clontarf had attractions, they did not offer the privacy and peace the family desired. “There wasn’t anywhere that could quite do this.”

For the Barnes family this is their True Love, and my, she is yar.

Prue Miller is a journalist with News Local. 

 

Its inexplicable why a narrow windy road makes an address seem more exclusive, but in this case it’s well earned.

75 Chisholm Ave is at the end of the road, 20 steps from Angophera reserve, deep within the rocky folds of the peninsula. The level walk from the carport is flagged by the first of many enormous wooden sleepers (rescued from a long dead railway), and skirted by dramatic and magnificent rocks.  As you enter Qantas pilot Peter Kingsford’s, home you are immediately drawn into this open, though cosy space, aware of the sandstone coloured polished cement floors and the panorama of bush within easy reach thanks to open spaces, and bird life, everywhere.

A seriously big fireplace, surrounded by artisan-crafted stonework warms the whole house thanks to hydronic space heating and in a design sense it anchors the living area.

Not a conventional home in shape or material, it has different levels and ceiling heights, blackened wood next to caramel oregon timbers, aluminum framed windows shedding dappled light onto weathered timber tables. It is a home that feels rich in texture and confident in design, and absolutely part of the natural terrain as it steps down into the forest, the rocks a strong and ever-present feature.

The land has been in Peter’s hands for 14 years, but it was only three years ago that he began to build,  designing around a collection of signature materials and ideas he had been collecting for the duration, influenced in part by his Asian travels.

Off the mid level living area is a bathroom with a double width cavity sliding door – reminiscent of shoji design – and as for the Japanese bath off the Master? Opening up to the virgin bushland? An inspired idea.

“I’ve had enough time in cities while travelling overseas,” Peter said. He wanted to create a sanctuary while, as he put it, “doing the site justice”. Without doubt he has fulfilled his wish on both counts.

This story was featured in the Manly Daily May 2012