Artist's Retreat
Inspired by its setting in a creative enclave on Sydney Harbour, we transformed a rundown heritage home into the ultimate artist's sanctuary.
SQUARE METRES
235 sqm
BUILDER
Mark Harris
PHOTOGRAPHY
Dave Wheeler
STYLIST
Claire Delmar
An old, almost derelict house in Lavender Bay has been renovated, reconfigured and reimagined by us to become more in tune with its spectacular surroundings. Located in ‘Artists’ Row’, a unique pocket of Sydney set amid Wendy Whiteley’s famous Secret Garden, this three-storey, two-bedroom house, built in 1907, was full of dark rooms and narrow spaces within an awkward layout. With a strong awareness of and respect for its heritage and situation, we collaborated with owner Mary-Lou to replan the design of the house, choosing materials that reflected the local landscape and aesthetic, and creating a light-filled interior that is all about connection and flow.
Artist’s Retreat
Inspired by its setting in a creative enclave on Sydney Harbour, we transformed a rundown heritage home into the ultimate artist's sanctuary.
SCOPE
Full Interior & Architectural Design
SQUARE METRES
235 sqm
BUILDER
Mark Harris
PHOTOGRAPHY
Dave Wheeler
STYLIST
Claire Delmar
An old, almost derelict house in Lavender Bay has been renovated, reconfigured and reimagined by us to become more in tune with its spectacular surroundings. Located in ‘Artists’ Row’, a unique pocket of Sydney set amid Wendy Whiteley’s famous Secret Garden, this three-storey, two-bedroom house, built in 1907, was full of dark rooms and narrow spaces within an awkward layout. With a strong awareness of and respect for its heritage and situation, we collaborated with owner Mary-Lou to replan the design of the house, choosing materials that reflected the local landscape and aesthetic, and creating a light-filled interior that is all about connection and flow.
‘There is a beautiful flow and openness between the living spaces and the outdoors now. When you enter the house, the space is beautiful and elegant. It’s easy and comfortable to live in.’
With three adult children no longer living at home, artist Mary-Lou had the chance to create the sanctuary she’d dreamed of – an elegant, light-filled house where she could live, work and offer hospitality to friends, family and fellow creative spirits. Key to the design was rectifying the rabbit-warren-like layout of the house to open up rooms, allow better flow and encourage more natural light inside. ‘I wanted to retain the bones of the house but give it a more functional floorplan and make better use of the space,’ says Mary-Lou.
“To draw a distinction between the old and the new, and to create the feeling of being in a gallery and studio”
Previously a dark, dead space, the master bedroom downstairs was extended into the back garden, enhancing its access to the outdoors. The external sandstone wall has been highlighted through the incorporation of floor-to-ceiling windows and spotlights.
Functionality and flow now characterise the house’s layout, with modern elements complementing the retained heritage features to create a space that suits contemporary living.
‘I love the seamless cabinetry and marble kitchen island,’ says Mary-Lou. ‘I wanted people to focus on the view and not see the kitchen bench.’
