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Where do cricket stars live?

Pat Cummins

Former test cricket team captain Pat Cummins has recently purchased a 145-year-old home for $16 million just footsteps from the iconic Bronte Beach on a quiet, tree-lined street on Sydney’s Eastern suburbs. Pat Cummins’ new home has five bedrooms, an elaborate facade, a pitched roof, and large windows – and is prime for a renovation.

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David Warner

He may have hung up his test cap, but cricketer David Warner is still enjoying his time in the sun with this jaw-dropping home in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. A spectacular five-storey home hugging the cliffs with views of the sea from every level, the concrete home is a true escape for the former cricketer and his family.

Full tour

Glenn McGrath

When Glen McGrath was three, he moved from a farm in Dubbo to country property at Narromine. It was there he grew into the sporting star and prominent philanthropist he is today. These days, he lives in the Noosa Hinterland on the Sunshine Coast with his wife and daughter, but still remembers his days in the country town fondly.

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Mitchell Starc

One half of Australian sporting power couple, Mitchell Starc and his wife Alyssa Healy reportedly spent $25 million on a sprawling country acreage in Terrey Hills in 2023. Sporting some incredible ranch details you’d find across New Zealand and California’s Napa Valley, the expansive home is filled with charming little details.

FULL HOME TOUR

Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting’s seven-bedroom mansion in Melbourne’s bayside suburb of Brighton, was home to the sporting family of five for more than a decade. The stately residence sits on approximately 1900sqm and enjoys three expansive levels and private laneway access to the beach, so it’s no surprise it sold after just 30 days on the market for $15.3 million.

FULL Home tour

Steve Smith

After selling a renovated Vaucluse mansion for $12.38 million, the star batsman Steve Smith and his wife Dani Willis successfully flipped yet another property, this time in the beachside suburb of Bronte in Sydney’s east. With raked ceilings soaring above a new open-plan designer kitchen, and an undercover entertaining area with a built-in barbecue kitchen and gas-heated saltwater plunge pool, it seems the cricketer has many skills that extend beyond sports.

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Michael Clarke

Michael Clarke’s tri-level home in Sydney’s Vaucluse may not have cricket nets, but it does have six bedrooms, a swimming pool and a tennis court – and it’s worth around $20 million. Sprawling across three light-filled levels, the c.1940 residence offers multiple contemporary-style living spaces, a rumpus room and gym, while the main bedroom on the upper floor enjoys a private balcony. 

HOME TOUR

The post Ashes 2026: Inside the homes of Australia’s top cricket stars appeared first on Homes To Love.

Lucinda Kimpton, a Melbourne-based interior designer, was charged with revamping the house, which had been bought from a family who had farmed in the area for more than 50 years. She describes it as “a beautiful blend of rural charm and convenience, with a timeless character and rich sense of Australian history.”

In late 2022, two couples and long-time friends, Janice and Colin McKenna and Gill Herrmann and Alan Grieve, decided to buy the property – ‘Tullynagee’ – as a business venture. Their vision was for the homestead, clocktower and surrounding buildings and gardens to become a prestigious function and accommodation centre, managed by both Janice and Gill. However, before the makeover was complete, it was decided that the property would instead be used as a permanent residence for Gill and Alan.

Lucinda says the shift in purpose had little impact on the design direction, with only a few minor adjustments required. “Initially, the design process was focused on working strictly within the existing footprint, as requested by the clients. However, it quickly became clear that the house would benefit immensely from a new casual living and dining space, and we proposed the addition of what is now referred to as the sunroom. The clients wholeheartedly embraced the new room and it has become the most loved and frequently used space.”

With its substantial footprint, the home sprawls across one level and includes three bedrooms with ensuites, a formal dining room and classic sitting/drawing room, a generous kitchen and a conservatory in addition to the sunroom “that offers a seamless balance between functionality and comfort, tailored specifically to the clients’ lifestyle”.

“The layout is thoughtfully considered,” Lucinda continues, “blending traditional proportions with a welcoming contemporary atmosphere. There is a lovely rhythm to the home, with each room transitioning naturally into the next and supporting everyday living as well as times of celebration.”

To craft this personal sanctuary, she worked with Ng Feathers Interiors, which provided architectural support to completely reconfigure the entire house. “It was a comprehensive and deeply considered process, with every element curated to create a home that is practical and full of personality.”

From the outset, Lucinda had a wealth of ideas to unleash on the property. “I always carry a mental bank of favourites – artists, fabrics, colours – and when the right project and client come along, everything aligns. This was definitely one of those projects.”

Immediate choices were the Leila Jeffreys bird prints lining the hall and the Araceli Adams plates in the glass-fronted kitchen cabinets. “I’ve followed both of those remarkable Australian artists for some time, not only for the beauty of their work but for their shared commitment to wildlife preservation. Their art became an emotional and visual anchor for the design.”

In the sitting/drawing room, a much-loved Colefax and Fowler fabric was called into play for the voluptuous curtains, which then begged to be partnered with a soft duck-egg blue on the walls. “It offers a calm and elegant contrast with the energy of the more vibrant spaces.”

Inspiration for the dining room came from an historic property, Claydon House in Buckinghamshire, England, which Lucinda had visited more than a decade earlier. “I was captivated by its radiant yellow walls and imagined the spirited gatherings they must have hosted,” she explains. “That feeling of vibrancy led to the use of golden chartreuse grasscloth wallpaper – a bold and joyful choice that made the space feel alive and celebratory.”

The designer feels gratified that the brave selection works so well, complemented by the Currey & Company chandelier and curtains in a Le Manach fabric. “It’s a space that truly sings,” she says.

For the main bedroom, Lucinda, who is a long-time admirer of English designer Veere Grenney, took cues from his contemporary-classic style. Framing the bay window with a canopy bed brought a country view – “something really special to wake up to”.

Lucinda wished to honour the heritage and character of the home and so retained as many original features as possible, including the timber floors, archways and stained-glass windows. “Those features give the home a sense of timeless charm and authenticity, grounding the new design in its rich history.”

Offering a perfect blend of classic and contemporary, it’s “elegant without being formal and comfortable without compromising on sophistication.”

The owners say they are delighted that the home still feels true to its heritage after the renovation, reflected not just in the house but also in the retained 100-year-old cypress and eucalypt trees on the property. “We feel the sense of the pioneering farmers who came before us and are grateful to be the custodians of a beautiful rural homestead that can be enjoyed by future generations.”

The Design Team

Kimpton Interiors: kimptoninteriors.com.au

Ng Feathers Interiors: ngfeathers.com

Fox Building Group: foxbuildinggroup.com.au

The post Lucinda Kimpton ushers in a new chapter for this historic country home appeared first on Homes To Love.

Nestled on the border between Queensland and New South Wales and currently a secluded oasis, Zac Efron’s Byron Bay eco-home in Australia spans 128 hectares with mountains, cliffs, valleys, rock waterfalls, and spring-fed dams with views over the lush rainforest surrounding. He purchased the rural plot after spending time in Australia during the Covid lockdowns in 2020 and while filming his Emmy-winning Netflix series Down to Earth with Zac Efron: Down Under. And clearly Australia’s natural beauty wasn’t all he fell in love with, as Zac-fans will remember this was also the time he famously dated an Australian barista he met at a cafe in Byron Bay.

“He just loves the Australian mentality and attitude, and he just wants to spend time in nature,” says Joost Bakker, the eco-designer Zac employed to build his new eco-escape.

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Joost Bakker is a florist-turned-eco activist known for his no-waste living and the Future Food System, a self sustaining, zero-waste, productive house. “It’s not every day of the week that @zacefron asks you to design his home,” he announced on a post to his Instagram.

“Zac fell in love with @futurefoodsystem and then our family home in Monbulk and now wants a home of his own. Best of all he wants me to push my ideas as far as they can go!”

“So here we are – designing and building Zac’s home. It’s a dream come true.”

Hoping to create the “healthiest home on the planet”, Zac has given Joost free rein to try out all of his most unique ideas, only asking that he not cut down a single tree on the property. This includes using hemp bricks, rooftop gardens, and all natural building materials – including oyster shells.

“We’re using the building to get a lot of endangered insects and species back on track,” Joost shared in an interview with Domain. “So we can actually use the building to create habitat rather than take away from it.” 

“For the past year we’ve experimented with making hemp blocks, replacing concrete with two materials that restore the environment. Hemp: possibly the best plant on earth at repairing and restoring.”

The post Zac Efron’s Byron Bay eco-retreat starts to take shape appeared first on Homes To Love.

The “Rush” singer purchased the property in 2017 for US $2.15 (approximately $2.88 million AUD) million and has, at times, listed it for rent. Although not always his primary residence, the house has influenced his broader design choices, including the Melbourne property he revealed in 2021. Spanning roughly 3,200 square feet, arranged around an open plan that privileges natural light and scale. “There’s a strong affinity between Melbourne and LA in terms of climate and architecture. That strain of classic California Mid-Century modernism has been a big influence,” the “Rush” singer shared with Architectural Digest during his 2021 house tour.

With the Troye Sivan’s Los Angeles house now for sale, attention turns to what comes next – where he will live, and which architectural chapter he might choose to inhabit next.

Step inside Troye Sivan’s Mid-Century retreat

Kitchen

Timber-lined walls and mellow tones frame the eat-in chef’s kitchen, where grained cabinetry sits beside more contemporary interventions.

Exterior

The connection between inside and out is central to the home’s design, drawing sunlight deep into the plan and guiding movement towards the pool, fire pit lounge and outdoor terraces. An attached two-car garage completes the layout.

Bedroom

Moreover, the primary suite continues the home’s restrained mid-century palette, complete with a fireplace, built-in shelving, a walk-in wardrobe and an ensuite bathroom fitted with a glass-walled shower and sunken tub.

Living room

This space, in turn, opens onto a living area anchored by a fireplace and softened by floor-to-ceiling windows and French doors that extend towards the surrounding patios.

Details

Additionally, windowed nook at the base of the staircase introduces a gentle circulation into the interior, giving way to the upper floor where a skylit library den provides a more introspective corner.

The post Troye Sivan puts his Hollywood Hills Mid-Century home on the market appeared first on Homes To Love.

Sprawling across three light-filled levels, the c.1940 residence offers multiple contemporary-style living spaces by Melissa Collision Design. The open-plan kitchen features Calacatta marble and high-end appliances and connects to a spacious living space with a banquette seat and a custom cocktail bar. Downstairs, there is a lower-level rumpus room and gym, while the main bedroom on the upper floor enjoys a private balcony. All three levels are connected by a sculptural white staircase.

Outside, a gas-heated swimming pool and a full-sized tennis court add to the home’s impressive entertainment capabilities. Property records show that the Vaucluse home last sold for $7 million back in 2007.

Since retiring from cricket back in 2015, Michael Clarke has worked in the commentary box and as the host of Sky Racing’s Big Sports Breakfast for five years before quitting at the start of 2025 to work on his podcast, Beyond23 Cricket.

The post Ex-cricketer Michael Clarke snaps up a tri-level mansion in Vaucluse appeared first on Homes To Love.

“I wanted a Parisian look,” affirms the owner, “with high ceilings and detailing but with a modern take.” The home in Sydney’s eastern suburbs is a new build with seven bedrooms and five-and-a-half bathrooms constructed in the Georgian style. Spread over three levels on a large block of land with a pool and two-car garage, it is home to a family that includes four young children and two live-in nannies, as well as providing accommodation for grandparents who visit from overseas. “Most of the time, the house is occupied by a large family group of 10 people,” says Carla.

The couple had purchased the dated house in 2019, always intending to demolish it and build anew. However, Covid and delays with planning approvals meant that the work didn’t begin until 2022. Though the brief to the designer was initially for a traditional-style house, gradually the concept took on a more contemporary slant. While he leaned towards the enduring elegance of traditional architecture and the timeless charm of clawfoot baths and crystal chandeliers, she gravitated towards a more experimental and playful aesthetic. “The result is a stunning fusion of classic forms and youthful modern elements, creating an intriguing home that beautifully tells both their stories,” says Carla.

On a north-facing block, the property is blessed with wonderful natural light, amplified by Carla incorporating light whites and soft pastel shades, flowing sheer curtains and well-planned furniture layouts. “It’s a soft glamour that melts together, slowly introducing the elements rather than them being in your face,” she says. “It’s a little traditional, but not in an old way – it feels like a young family lives here.”

That’s not to say there are no bold features. In the basement powder room, the ‘Safari Vibe’ wallpaper by Emile & Chen makes a strong statement backdropping the agate-stone vanity and unusual pond basin from Rocky Mountain Hardware, while the brass archway heralding the family room is a detail that the owner – and all her friends – especially love. “It’s a real talking point,” she says, “and even the feng-shui expert was impressed! It’s a great example of a traditional element with modern detailing, one of many such pairings in the house.”

However, the owner’s favourite space is the formal sitting room, where a sense of quiet luxury prevails, care of beautiful fabrics by the likes of Rubelli, Kravet and Calvin Klein, wall and ceiling panelling and sophisticated muted shades. Carla remarks, “It’s a mix of American-style traditional elements and proportions overlaid with a French femininity and softness.”

The room features an array of international accoutrements, such as the hand-carved marble mantelpiece sourced from Lamberty in London, paired with a firescreen embellished with ginkgo leaves by Texas-based Claire Crowe. Its swivel armchairs are from Dmitriy & Co in the US while the coffee table is from Tom Faulkner in London. R&Y Augousti in Paris supplied the shagreen and brass side tables and mirror, and the chandelier hails from US retailer Horchow. “We love to gather here with friends and have a glass of wine before dinner in front of the fireplace,” says the owner. “Even the kids like to come in and play.”

The children also play in the expansive rumpus room and each has a bedroom that’s been lovingly detailed, taking into consideration their personality and interests. Carla says she was able to use colour in these rooms to contrast with the muted tones in the rest of the house, specifying four-poster beds and custom canopies in zesty colours and patterns for the girls, with Tappeti rugs and Visual Comfort & Co lamps in all four of the rooms. “The children love their bedrooms,” says the owner, “so much so that when we go away they become quite homesick for them.”

Every space in the house is in constant use. The library does double duty as a formal dining room and home office. Furnished with a long custom table featuring power outlets hidden in the centre panel and a computer workstation concealed in a custom inlaid straw marquetry cabinet, it is also where the children do their homework or sit and read books. And for special dining occasions, the butler’s pantry that opens directly into the room is perfect for serving guests.

“I really love the house as a whole,” says the enraptured client. “It’s a great balance between traditional and modern, and so cohesive throughout. Carla’s aesthetic fits very well with mine, so she was absolutely the right designer for us.”

The Design Team

Carla Barton: carlabarton.com.au

The post This glamourous family residence was conceived as an ode to a high-end fashion store appeared first on Homes To Love.

Enter interior designer Alexandra Mason of Studio aem, who the family brought on board to infuse the home with warmth and convenience. “The family is creative and the girls love their art and craft,” says Alexandra. “They needed a home that could allow self-expression without having to be too precious.”

Their brief was clear: preserve the soul of the home but improve its liveability. Along with more kitchen and pantry space, they were after “hardy and durable”.

To expand the kitchen, the designer began by demolishing an adjoining poky bathroom.

“Upon removing the ceiling, we discovered the opportunity to follow the existing gabled roofline and introduce a dramatic sense of height.”

What began as a relatively modest update of the kitchen and bathrooms soon evolved into a full restoration. “Due to the age and period of the house, it became clear that a more detailed, sensitive approach was needed to honour the home’s history,” says Alexandra.

To make the home more functional, walls were reconfigured to create better flow and more storage. A dark, central part of the house was opened up with raked ceilings and a new skylight.

Looking to highlight original features, Alexandra removed dated render and paint from walls to reveal and restore original stonework, enhanced timber-framed windows with deep sandstone sills and preserved floorboards. Any new materials added were in keeping with the owners’ desire for “earthy, natural tones with a slightly rustic character”.

Layering in some of that character in the kitchen, she installed timber beams to the ceiling and specified a textured microcement rangehood with decorative mouldings, an AGA olive green cooker, honed Austral Dream dolomite benchtops and aged-metal hardware.

At the end of the kitchen sits the owners’ favourite feature: an eat-in dining nook. Framed by a large picture window, it has become an inviting space for family meals with views over the tropical front garden and glimpses of Pittwater.

Four bedrooms, an ensuite, laundry and storeroom complete the floorplan – but the standout is the generous family bathroom. Once a compact ensuite, it now offers all the ambience of a wellness retreat at home. Sandstone, travertine and terracotta add layers of warmth and texture, with a copper bath a star feature.

“The owners also love the connection to the side garden, which enhances the indoor-outdoor feel,” says Alexandra.

THIS IS THE LIFE

A connection to nature was an important theme. “The owners love how the design integrates the outdoors, particularly the side garden and the flow between interior and exterior spaces, creating a serene, harmonious environment,” says Alexandra. “These thoughtful choices and features express their vision of a peaceful, character-rich family home.”

From chiselled-in brass power outlet covers to hand-reinstated sandstone on the rebuilt front verandah, every detail of this nature-immersed family home has been considered. “This was a true labour of love,” says Alexandra.

“The owners were open, trusting and deeply appreciative of the process. They said ‘yes’ more than they questioned – and that made all the difference.”

The Design Team

Studio aem: studioaem.com.au
THW Architects: thw.net.au
Custom Construct: customconstruct.com.au

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Heritage warmth meets relaxed coastal-contemporary style.

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The post This 1910s coastal cottage just got a stunning, nature-wrapped makeover appeared first on Homes To Love.

“Our most precious decorations are the ones we’ve collected for our sons over the years,” Sanna explains. “They’re stored in large boxes and brought out each Christmas week to decorate the tree. Many of them came from Nougat, my shop. Every year for a decade now, I’ve displayed my white woodland animal ornaments and house-shaped lanterns as part of our Christmas tradition.”

Sanna says abundance is key to her seasonal decor. “I love creating decorative arrangements, and throughout the year, I place stacks of books, candles, and beautiful objects on various surfaces. As Christmas approaches, I add even more candles, string lights, and festive decorations. Flowers play a big role in our Christmas celebrations.”

She makes her own floral arrangements and wreaths, adding candles to moss-lined glass bowls and wrapping hyacinth bulbs in moss. “My favourite flowers include white amaryllis, deep plum-coloured hellebores, and white hyacinths,” says Sanna, who also loves eucalyptus branches. Textiles are also key to that celebratory atmosphere Sanna loves to create. “I love linen, and velvet has always been my favourite,” she says. “Christmas music also plays a big role in setting the mood. Generally, in the background, there’s often jazz or French music playing.”

To make sure all five senses get a seasonal treat, scent has a starring role, too. “I fell in love with scented candles a decade ago and burn them every day. Different rooms have different scents.” However, abundance never tips over into excess. Although this time of year is typically busy, Sanna still prioritises tranquillity – as her decorative scheme shows. “Shades are extremely important to me,” she says. “Our home’s colour palette consists of various shades of white, sandy brown, powdery beige, and peach. A few black furniture pieces add a Danish-style contrast to the otherwise soft tones. The colours create a serene atmosphere.”

It’s clear that the rituals of Christmas are key to this family’s celebrations. “Traditions matter, and some of them are repeated every year,” explains Sanna. “We’ve been baking the same spiced Christmas cake for at least 20 years – its recipe came to us in a Christmas card from a friend of my mother. A slow and peaceful pace is essential for the holiday season. I make mulled wine, prepare familiar treats, and keep up our traditions: visiting the Christmas market and admiring the holiday lights along Sofiankatu leading to Helsinki Cathedral.”

Before moving to this home seven years ago, the family lived near Annala Garden on Hämeentieand later in a newly built apartment in Arabia, but longed for more nature around them. The space in this home was adapted to fit the family’s needs. The bedrooms are upstairs, with the parents’ bedroom featuring a lovely terrace.

Downstairs, in addition to the entrance hall and kitchen, there is a spacious open-plan living and dining area. The home extends outdoors with a charming terrace and yard. It was the layout that first endeared the house to Sanna. “I love how the space is divided into upstairs bedrooms and a more open downstairs area combining the living room, dining area, and kitchen,” she says. “We also fell in love with the location – the neighbourhood is very peaceful, and our kids have friends in almost every house.”

There are no plans to move any time soon, then. But travel is still a temptation during the festive season: “I’d love to spend Christmas in New York, while our boys dream of a Christmas in Lapland,” Sanna says. “We could make it work by celebrating Christmas Eve at home and then travelling during the holiday break.”

But when they’re not braving trains, planes and automobiles in search of exotic seasonal experiences, this family is blissfully happy right here. Sanna says her home at Christmas is a source of daily joy, particularly citing “the scents, the twinkling lights, the music, and the atmosphere”.

A classic fairytale Christmas.

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Christmas cottage decoration
Pillow Talk, $14.95

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The post A cosy home near Helsinki is given its festive finishing touches appeared first on Homes To Love.

Their creative partnership grew out of friendship – and a shared love of homes with character. “When my partner and I moved into the house we’re in now in Hampshire, I knew Nic would be the one to help put our stamp on the place,” Polly says.

Though Polly came in with a strong sense of what she liked and disliked, she admits her interior moodboard was more maximalist brainstorm than cohesive concept. “My problem with interiors has always been that I like a lot of things and struggle to streamline them,” she laughs. “I was also conscious that I didn’t want to butcher the natural charm of the property.”

To translate that vision into something tangible, Nicola had Polly fill out a detailed questionnaire and share her Pinterest boards as a launching point for the design direction. From this, Nicola created a concept that brought together Polly’s influences, before collaboratively deciding on a final concept that respected the home’s bones. “I was quite amazed how she managed to pull everything together and create such a cool and eclectic, yet calm and cosy vibe,” Polly says.

The couple moved in during May 2024 and worked on the project over the next year. “We only finished at the start of September 2025,” Polly says. “It feels like a long time for only the living, kitchen and dining area, but we weren’t in a huge rush. We were quite keen to do a lot of the work ourselves.”

Looking around, it’s clear to see that the couple’s patience and relaxed pace has more than paid off. “It was already my dream home,” she reflects. “But now that the living and kitchen space reflects our interior vibe, I can’t describe how much joy it brings me to just hang out at home.

“It’s probably not the best for my social life, as I now have to literally peel myself away to go out in the evenings! But likewise, it’s become this amazing space for hosting and we’ve had some epic parties.”

Among the most transformative changes has to be the banquette seating, built opposite the kitchen where the old Aga once stood. “It’s created such a functional, cosy space which is amazing for hosting,” Polly says. “I also love working there from my laptop during the daytime – the wavy, stripy upholstery injects so much personality and we always get comments on it,” and it’s easy to see why.

“My partner Harry built this area himself using designer Nicola’s plans and wood from Howdens. “It feels quite special to use the space now,” she adds.

Another obvious highlight is the kitchen island, which now serves as both workspace and social hub. “We have an induction hob integrated into it which faces out onto the dining area – as the one who does all the cooking, I love how sociable it is to be able to chat at the same time.”

Removing the dated wood panelling also helped the chapel breathe again. “We used to have wood panelling all through the living area – don’t worry, it wasn’t an original feature and it wasn’t the pretty kind!” she jokes. “Painting everything in Farrow & Ball ‘Joa’s White’ made everything feel so much calmer.”

While the renovation has the polish of a designer-led project, it was also a masterclass in smart spending. “We kept the existing kitchen cabinets as they were good quality,” explains Polly. “We painted over them and got new knobs and they look good as new.”

But the budget-conscious considerations didn’t end there. Making the savvy, and sustainable decision to sell off unwanted pieces in lieu of scrapping them – including the existing Aga – helped offset costs, too, and Harry’s DIY skills proved invaluable to the finished project. “I’m very lucky that Harry is very handy and crucially, willing to do whatever he is able to,” she says.

After living through the renovation, Polly’s advice for anyone thinking about doing the same, is to approach each step along with the way with an open mind. “Weigh up whether something is worth your time or stress levels,” Polly cautions. “The banquette area saved us a lot on bespoke carpentry, but we decided to pay decorators to do all the painting. It took them weeks – if we’d done it ourselves, we might have separated in the process!”

“I expected it to be challenging at points and ‘trust the process’ really rings true, however… there are always little snags and you’ve just got to learn to work around it,” she adds.

Aside from the satisfaction of seeing a DIY project through to completion, there’s delight to be found in the finishing touches. “The devil’s in the details,” Polly reflects. “Our Beata Heuman bow handles on the island and kitchen cabinet bring me a lot of joy. I also love our vintage pendant lampshades, which Nic found on Etsy.” Likewise, the pencil and ogee edge profiling on the worktops. “This did add to the cost, and even the stonemasons tried to dissuade us from doing it for ease, but having this finish adds a lovely softness and elevates the space.”

Lessons Learnt

“Building, fixing and installing always takes longer than you think,” Polly shares. “But you become quite resilient as a result.”

Above all, she believes the investment in good design pays dividends. “Interior design is so worth it. It can feel like an overwhelming amount of work and money to invest at first, but when you’re in this wonderful space, it’s the best feeling.”

As for what’s next? “Plenty!” she says. “I’d love to tackle our bedroom and make it feel a bit more fun and cool. We’ve also begun work on our garden and have just been granted planning permission to demolish the sheds and create a more permanent annexe that will essentially create a fourth bedroom.”

“We’ll do this as, and when, we can afford to, but I’m excited to see it all come to life.”

For now, though, this former chapel feels like exactly what it was built to be – a sanctuary with soul. Albeit a very stylish one.

The design team

Interiors: Nicola Crawford, finchinteriordesign.com

Styling: Anna Sheridan, annasheridancreative.com

Photography: Chris Snook, chrissnookphotography.co.uk

The post Inside the converted chapel where Polly Sayer perfected country cool appeared first on Homes To Love.

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Ellie Watson is a Gold Coast based influencer with over 650K followers on her health and lifestyle Instagram channel. She is also the founder of fashion brand Juni, sustainable homewares brand The Wholesome Store, and a best-selling author.

She lives in the secluded Currumbin oasis with her husband Alex, their two children, Bowie, 5, and Zimi, 3, and their dog, Oatly. Prior to building the Currumbin Valley home, they lived around the corner in a light-filled, modern home in Palm Beach on the Gold Coast.

The modern contemporary interiors, with limewashed ceilings, Taj Mahal quartzite and plenty of micro-cement, make for a light-filled home with definite market appeal. The five-bedroom, three-bathroom, Mediterranean-inspired home sits on 5,404 square-metres and boasts a resort-like feel. Located just minutes from the Gold Coast’s popular Currumbin Beach, it still feels secluded thanks to its tree-lined locale offering both privacy and connection.

Featuring multiple large living spaces, an enviable indoor-outdoor connection, and a vast entertaining deck that overlooks an oversized swimming pool, the picturesque home has attracted plenty of attention during its short sales campaign.

Ellie and Alex began construction on Valle Casa in March 2023 and finally completed it in February 2024. But in a surprising turn of events, it was listed for sale the very next year, in October 2025. “People are a bit shocked we’re selling,” Ellie admitted to realestate.com.au.

“We built it with the intention of it being our dream home, but I loved the creative process, so we’re keen to do it again.”

As for their next steps, Ellie and Alex haven’t spoken publicly about what their next step in the housing journey will be, but one thing’s for certain: they’ve got the reno bug.

498 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Valley is set to go to auction on Saturday 15th November at 10AM with listing agents Christina James and Amir Mian of Amir Prestige Group.

Price hopes for the Currumbin Valley property start from $6.5 million, but if the popularity of the listing is anything to go by, the actual sales price could skyrocket on auction day.

The post Influencer Ellie Watson’s Gold Coast home is Australia’s most-popular auction listing appeared first on Homes To Love.

With its candle snuffer roofs and overhanging corner turrets, Overnewton beautifully blends 16th-century English, Scottish and French architecture to create a storybook-like facade; one would be forgiven for thinking they’d arrived at a century-old castle in the Scottish Highlands. But, in reality, this jaw-dropping estate is just a 25-minute drive out of Melbourne CBD, in Keilor’s rolling hills.

Dating back to 1849, Overnewton Castle brought Scotsman William Taylor’s dream of a Scottish Baronial castle to life, and served as the pastoralist and mayor of Keilor’s extravagant family home until his death in 1903. Eventually, the castle was bought by Dr Lesley Norton in 1975, who revitalised the castle and then opened it up for high tea, historic tours and private functions.

On the market!

Positioned on 5.5 lush acres, Overnewton Castle feels a world away from the city, however, the landmark estate is located just 25 minutes from Melbourne CBD. In addition to the 35-room historic castle, the property also offers four renovated outbuildings; The Stables, The Loft, The Cabin and The Cottage, which sleep 26 people in total.

Overnewton Castle is listed with Christie’s and comes with a price guide of between $6 million and $6.6 million. Expressions of interest close on Friday, November 21.

You can see the full listing here.

Dr Norton’s daughter, Emma Stott, grew up in the castle and has been the managing director of Overnewton for more than a decade. In reflecting upon her childhood compared to that of William Taylor’s great-granddaughter, she told Melbourne West Tourism: “Life was very different for her than for me and my brothers and sisters. She was only allowed to come in or leave by the front door; there were separate entrances for the servants. We came and went however we wanted – doors, windows… They used bells to contact the servants; we used to just shout out and now we can use mobile phones if we can’t find someone.”

Surrounding the property are picturesque gardens and rolling lawns where ancient trees, including a 176-year-old oak, cast shade over the castle grounds. The property is also home to a number of renovated outbuildings, including The Stables, The Cottage, The Loft and The Cabin.

Before its official closure as an event venue in March 2026, Overnewton Castle is set to host its annual Scottish Festival on St Andrew’s Day, November 30, as well as a number of festive lunches and dinners in the lead-up to Christmas. In the meantime, the search for Overnewton’s new custodians – a lord or lady, if you will – continues.

The post This breathtaking castle in Victoria needs a new lord or lady appeared first on Homes To Love.

Spectacularly cantilevered into the hillside, the sprawling 1102sqm property, known as “Villa Casa” is the work of owner-builders Ben Rochford and Dominee Gessnar of Tidal Constructions, who worked closely with building designer Reece Keil throughout the build. It’s the ninth home the couple have built and designed together — and arguably the biggest and best yet.

“Luxury Mediterranean” is how Dominee describes the exterior entertaining areas, with their lime-rendered walls, curved passageways, and abundance of foliage. The look continues indoors, with 4-metre-high ceilings, travertine tiles, brass finishes and a light, earthy palette that glows as natural light filters through the floor-to-ceiling sheer curtains.

15 Abbey Ridge Road, Reedy Creek, QLD was listed for sale in July 2024 with Amir Mian of the Amir Prestige Group, but taken down after a 6 week campaign. It was then relisted with Whitefox Real Estate’s Dijana Speak and Nic Whitehead. They confirmed that the Reedy Creek property had sold to a family from Victoria after being on the market for 60 days.

They were looking for a price between $9 and $10 million, but the agents have not confirmed a final sale price. Median property prices for houses sold over the last year in Reedy Creek sit around $1,630,000.

Boasting seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, ten car spots and sitting on 4497-square metres, this architectural masterpiece offers a taste of the good life.

SOLD!

It’s being reported that the high profile couple are instead moving away from Reedy Creek to a farm. “We’ve always envisioned raising the kids on a hobby farm,” Lance Franklin once told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

“They’ll have ponies by Christmas, and I know this move is the perfect step for our family.”

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While it’s hard to narrow down a favourite corner in the expansive home, Dominee says it has to be the kitchen, with its statement half-moon island bench. Set against a muted backdrop of dark chevron timber flooring and cabinetry in Polytec thermolaminated ‘Estella Oak’, the fluted marble-clad island — with a stone benchtop and integrated sinks — simply sings.

As for the rest of the home, there’s a parent’s retreat — accessed via a bridge — which is complete with a “day spa-worthy” ensuite and dressing room, a magnesium swimming pool with a sunken swim-up bar, and even a separate two-bedroom residence for guests. There are beautiful tactile touchpoints throughout, many of which have already begun to patina perfectly, and a cool injection of concrete to give the space a contemporary edge.

“The Gold Coast has never seen anything like it,” says Justin Haynes of Amir Prestige Group, who was initially tasked with selling the property. In the short week it was on the market in 2022, it became the most viewed home in Australia.

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Take a look inside Buddy Franklin’s Gold Coast home

Outdoor area

Greenery spilling from the rooftop and statement arched doorways soften the monumental exterior.

Open plan living

Natural light floods into the expansive living room. A unique brass balustrade on the top floor has already begun to patina, giving the space a beautiful texture.

Kitchen

The luxury kitchen island bench has been designed with custom fluted marble tiles made in Israel, a double integrated fridge, Zip tap, travertine tiles and a cleverly concealed butler’s pantry.

Kitchen and living

The open plan living opens to endless views over the Tallebudgera Valley.

Hallway

Archways are a common theme throughout this Mediterranean villa

Main bedroom

A sea of neutrals will help you drift off to sleep.

Ensuite

The decadent oversized ensuite is softened by graceful arches and full-height sheers.

Staircase

The house was crowned House of the Year at the 2022 Gold Coast Master Builders Awards.

Living room views

The home enjoys uninterrupted 180-degree views across the iconic coastline.

Endless vistas

Enjoy the property’s stunning vistas from every window in the home.

Details

There are plenty of tactile details throughout the home, giving it a sense of warmth.

Walk-in wardrobe

With surprises at every turn, the main bedroom’s dressing room and ensuite are accessed via a vaulted tunnel.

Hallway

Boasting seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and ten car spots, you could wander the halls for hours.

Children’s bedroom

Chevron timber flooring continues throughout the home, including in one of the two children’s bedrooms.

Exterior

The house is cleverly cantilevered off the sprawling hilltop site, which stretches a total of 4,497sqm.

Views

The views are endless and endlessly impressive.

The post AFL star Buddy Franklin finally sells his “$10m” Gold Coast trophy home appeared first on Homes To Love.

For Fiona Spence and Morris Lyda, buying the house was a matter of timing. “It was on the market for years – it waited for us,” says Fiona. When they arrived, they felt an energy beyond the visual. “Magic,” she calls it. “And magic is really hard to find.”

Recognising potential is one thing; embracing a vision – and funding it – is quite another. An ally came in the form of architect Rob Brown, design principal at Casey Brown Architecture. “I’d visited the house 15 years earlier,” he recalls. “Even then, it felt like some medieval ruin: powerful and poetic.” When Fiona approached him through his wife, Caroline Casey, a strong creative connection formed. “He was the right architect for the house,” says Fiona. “Not just for me.”

The shared challenge was to restore, reimagine and reinhabit the house without diluting its essence. “We didn’t want to impose,” says Rob. “Our aim was to understand what the house wanted.”

That process took eight years of slow, deliberate decision-making. “We started fast,” says Fiona, “but the house had other ideas and in the end we had to listen.” Many choices were made onsite, measuring tape in hand, sightlines assessed from the bed position, ideas trialled, shifted and refined.

Access posed an immediate obstacle as the steep, vegetated site defied traditional logistics. The solutions were genius: a private cable-car system sourced from Seattle, and a rock-and-roll-style flying fox designed by Morris using rigging techniques honed through years in global stage production. These bespoke systems allowed materials, trades – and even stone slabs – to arrive with precision and minimal environmental disruption.

Restoration was equal parts architectural and archaeological. The original bow truss roof was re-engineered, stone walls repointed, and windows finally installed where once only imagined. The new additions (bedroom, bathroom and study) don’t mimic but rather extend the language of the original. “We weren’t replicating,” Rob explains. “We were adding a chapter in a conversation with what already existed.”

That conversation unfolds through materiality. Stone meets terrazzo, hand-waxed copper glows beside timber, blackened ceilings frame shafts of sculpted light.

“There’s an idea of leaning into unpredictability,” Fiona notes. “There are moments when the house still surprises.” Nowhere is this more apparent than in the way the house melds with the land. Instead of resisting the rock shelves, the design absorbs them. A boulder punctuates the powder room; another becomes part of the study wall. In the new wing, glass slices into the rockface with elegant precision. Fiona was involved at every stage, down to the smallest details. “Those vintage bronze door handles kickstarted the whole aesthetic,” she points out.

The creative relationship between Fiona, Morris and Rob was intense – collaborative, sometimes combative, but always productive. “Three very opinionated people,” says Fiona. “But the result is more than any one of us could have envisioned.”

There’s a natural theatricality to the house: the sweeping terrace that frames both Pittwater and the Pacific, the cantilevered bedroom that captures the sunrise, the arrival via cable car which allows a slow perspective on the house and sense of intimacy with the landscape in which it sits. But it’s theatre grounded in experience, shaped by sensitivity to light, air, views and the natural contours of the site.

Most remarkable is how the new work evokes the original without being beholden to it. “It had to feel like it could always have been there,” says Rob. “A variation, not a replica.”

This is architecture not only of site, but of time – the years it took for the house to be rediscovered and reimagined. Each room evokes the rhythm of the original, with black timber ceilings, stone walls and a floor plan that moves with the land’s natural fall.

The interiors, which won the John Verge Award for Interior Architecture at the 2025 NSW Architecture Awards, are shaped by Fiona’s longstanding collection of art, furniture, ceramics and textiles, many from her own brand, Innate. The layered richness of materials is in tune with the building and the land, tying it all together.

“This place is more than a house,” Fiona reflects. “It’s a kind of living history – a story we have joined, not written from scratch.”

The Design Team

Innate Collection: innatecollection.com

Casey Brown Architecture: caseybrown.com

The post Restoring a dramatic Sydney home while preserving its essence appeared first on Homes To Love.

Along with its fairytale homestead and heritage-listed Turkish bath house, Wynstay is also home to an original c.1875 two-bedroom cottage, a four-bedroom Victorian home with a wrap-around verandah, and an original gatekeeper’s lodge, which dates back to 1891.

On the market!

Located in Mount Wilson, Wynstay Estate is a landmark property with a history that dates back to 1875. The Blue Mountains estate features a grand homestead and several heritage dwellings and outbuildings.

Wynstay is scheduled to go to auction on December 5.

You can see the full listing here.

Surrounding Wynstay’s numerous heritage dwellings are beautiful mature trees, including oaks, magnolias, cherries and maples, as well as a sunken garden, fountains and stone pathways that lead you through the gorgeous grounds.

Wynstay is scheduled to go to auction on December 5, with its sale to bring 150 years of unbroken single-family ownership to an end. We can only hope its new custodians maintain its architectural history and enchanting gardens.

The post This grand Blue Mountains estate with a 130-year-old Turkish bath house is up for sale appeared first on Homes To Love.

The happy results speak for themselves. As well as being a celebration of the colour spectrum, the rooms are canvases of light and composition. “I saw the house like an art collection, with punches of surprise in colour and texture. Each room has a special moment, whether it’s a rug, wallpaper or ceiling treatment,” says Brett of Brett Mickan Interior Design.

Seduced by the water views and the heritage detailing, the couple bought the Federation four-bedroom bungalow in 2016, for them and their two sons, now 20 and 19. “We instantly fell in love with its solid bones, northern aspect and generous garden. And I have always loved a traditional long hallway!” says the owner.

But it also needed some serious TLC. “Ceiling heights varied, the dining room was far from the kitchen and dark, while the family room was little more than a passageway to the kitchen.”

The kitchen, bathrooms and laundry were all tired and the plain garden lacked sitting areas. “Our sons regularly come and go,” she says. “And as we are a blended family with three older adult children, we wanted a home big enough to flex up for them to stay, have big family meals inside and out and lots of parties, but to also feel comfortable when it’s just two of us.”

A top priority was a new light-filled open-plan living area at the rear, while the front north-facing sitting room with its water views was to remain her quiet space. “That window seat is my happy place,” she says.

Brett replaced the rear addition with an open plan that connects seamlessly with the backyard through ultra-slimline Vitrocsa sliders and a picture window framing the garden. He also opened up the dining room and front spaces to create a more balanced flow.

Brett drew his bold palettes from the original stained-glass windows and the owner’s art collection. “Colour directs the eye and creates cohesion,” he says. The smoky blue of the hallway reappears in joinery in the rear open plan, while a bathroom in smoky foundation pink and a Calacatta Viola marble kitchen echo pinks and browns seen throughout.

“There are no primaries, just warm grey-tinged hues for softness,” says Brett. “It envelops and cuddles you.”

The home balances heritage charm with creative modern energy. From a visual jumble, Brett has created calm and harmony — and paradoxically, vibrancy too. “Lots of quirky details delight us,” says the owner. “The bar we didn’t know we wanted makes entertaining so much fun. Brett brought a sense of confidence to the entire project.”

THIS IS THE LIFE

“Having multiple living areas means that we can comfortably share our home with our blended family,” says the owner. While the focus of family life and frequent entertaining is in the open plan, for quiet time alone she retreats to the sunshine-yellow window seat at the front, with its water views. “It is so comfy and bright,” she says. “That window seat is my happy place.”

The Design Team

Brett Mickan Interior Design: www.bmid.com.au

The post A designer’s daring use of colour revives a Federation Bungalow in Sydney appeared first on Homes To Love.

The purchase of their new five-bedroom home coincides with the birth of their second child, Edie, born earlier this year, who joins their four-year-old son, Albie.

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Just footsteps from the iconic Bronte Beach on a quiet, tree-lined street on Sydney’s Eastern suburbs, Pat Cummins’ new home is a 145-year-old build with five bedrooms, four bathrooms and two parking spaces. It has a classic elaborate facade, steeply pitched roof, an asymmetrical designs and large windows – all characteristics of the popular Victorian style.

It was last sold in 1995 for $990,000 to Waverley councillor Keri Spooner and her late husband Brian O’Neill.

There’s no word yet on whether Pat and his family will be departing their nearby two-storey Arent&Pyke-designed home, Figtree Manor, which they purchased for $9.3 million in 2021. But being so close by is sure to make move-in day a breeze.

Pat Cummins also owns a quaint 1930s cottage in the Southern Highlands, which he purchased for $905,000 in 2017. It is reportedly an investment property for the couple, netting a few hundred dollars in rent each week.

The post Pat Cummins settles on a $16m fixer-upper in Waverley appeared first on Homes To Love.

“We were both at a turning point in our lives,” says Kayla of the couple’s plan to rent in the area and perhaps look to buy a holiday home, while still considering a move back to California. But, as always, life unfolded in its own way. A new chapter began for Kayla, 36, and Byron, 37, with the arrival of their little boys Leo, now six, and Laurence, three. Then the pandemic kept them in Australia, and gave them the time to properly get to know their little slice of coast.

“I had always thought Manyana might be too quiet for me,” says Kayla. “But during COVID, I really fell in love with the area and realised the slower pace of life was perfect for us at that time.” An influx of young families and fellow creatives during the pandemic years cemented the feeling that this was home.

The little cottage they found just before Leo was born was unprepossessing: a basic painted besser-block box, with a flat roof and no visible front door. “It was so run-down and needed a lot of work,” recalls Kayla. “But when we looked out the back doors, into the bush over the back fence, we thought, ‘Oh, this is it’.”

The first two months of Leo’s life coincided with a sudden whirlwind of renovation, with Byron’s skills as an electrician and his brother’s as a builder coming to the fore. With the simple, Spanish-inspired bungalows of Kayla’s childhood as inspiration, the couple rendered the house and replaced all the windows with a set of beautiful old windows found at Chippendale Restorations in Sydney. A vintage Indian door from Few and Far added soul and a better sense of entry, with a re-sited kitchen allowing a connection to the garden.

A small garden shed was lined and clad, and now acts as an art studio for Kayla (and occasionally the boys). “I’ve been spending more time painting and working on my papier-mâché boats, and I can just close the door and not make a mess inside the house. It’s been so nice,” says Kayla.

The family spend every second Christmas in California with Kayla’s extended family, where the holiday is a weeklong extravaganza, with traditions including delicious Guatemalan tamales served at midnight on Christmas Eve, followed by a hearty dinner on Christmas evening. The festive season in Manyana is a more laid-back affair, with a glazed ham, prawns and pavlova for lunch on the back deck with Byron’s parents, his two brothers and their families.

“I make an effort to decorate the house for Christmas and make it feel really special, and Leo just loves it,” says Kayla. “I use traditional colours – reds and greens and tarnished brass, and anything that looks really vintage. I always look out for ornaments that have a classic, vintage feel.”

Manyana itself has a timeless feel, with not much having changed since Byron grew up there. “There are a lot more families now, but it’s pretty spectacular that in this day and age, when things change so much, it has stayed the same for such a long time,” says Kayla. “It’s a little paradise.”

Kayla and Byron’s Home, La Casita Manyana, is sometimes available to rent via airbnb.com.au. View Kayla’s papier-mâché sailing boats at her Etsy store.

Shop the look

Colorful Kilim Christmas Stocking
Sarikaya Kilim Pillows, $17.72

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Handmade Paper Boat
KGexArt, $150

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Smeg 50’s Style Retro Fridge
Harvey Norman, $4,790

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Villeroy & Boch Annual Christmas Plate
David Jones, $59.95

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The post Spend Christmas at a stylist’s treasure-filled cottage in Manyana, NSW appeared first on Homes To Love.

“Positioned on a rare beachside site, ONDA is a celebration of coastal connection and barefoot luxury – where design flows as effortlessly as the tide,” GRAYA shared in an Instagram post. “Named after the Spanish word for wave and vibe, ONDA captures the rhythm of the ocean and the relaxed energy of life by the sea.”

The decision to sell and rebuild comes after a stalker broke into Mick and fiancée Breeana’s former home back in early 2020, leading the pair to move out and list Rolling Seas as holiday accommodation. According to The Courier Mail, the stalker, Sarah Anne Foote, was sentenced to 15 months in prison.

The couple’s new home will have plenty of space for them and their two children, with ONDA designed to sprawl across three neutral-toned levels centred around a serene central courtyard. The property will also feature a swimming pool and a striking breeze block façade.

The world champion surfer reportedly purchased a four-bedroom property for approximately $6.5 million before demolishing the house in preparation for ONDA.

The post A look into Mick Fanning’s new oceanfront mansion on the Gold Coast appeared first on Homes To Love.

A look at Jacob Elordi’s houses and properties

Los Angeles, California

High in the hills, the stylish Los Angeles home where Jacob Elordi lives now it cocooned by greenery, with rooftop views that catch the Hollywood Sign at a distance. Additionally, the outdoor space is humble and includes a pool and patio area flanked by lounge chairs. Inside, the atmosphere is intimate and lived-in: a golden retriever named Layla padding across the floorboards, framed artworks crowding the walls and the hum of a record player spinning somewhere in the background.

The living room reads as a collector’s corner – a Japanese Rebel Without a Cause poster presiding over shelves of books, cameras and artefacts. The kitchen, modest and filled with natural light, looks out to the pool, its refrigerator plastered with souvenirs from Euphoria.

Byron Hinterland, Australia

Inland from the Byron coastline, Jacob Elordi’s current Australian home base offers a counterpoint to the Hollywood glamour. Set on two hectares of rainforest-rimmed land, the lush estate includes a three-level main residence and a self-contained cottage near the citrus orchard. The property hadn’t changed hands for more than two decades – a testament to its seclusion and privacy – and leans into its Hamptons-style architecture.

As a result, the outlook turns pastoral: ocean glimpses beyond the trees, the sound of rain on the roof and the kind of stillness that comes with having a rainforest retreat with no near neighbours.

The post Inside Jacob Elordi’s homes: from Hollywood to the Byron hinterland appeared first on Homes To Love.

The renovation

The 1970s flat-roofed brick bungalow was less enticing. “The interior was dark and cold, with slate tiles, brown tones and a dated feel,” she says. “It needed a complete overhaul to open it up, let in more light and modernise it. With the right changes, we knew it could become a bright, functional space for our family.”

The arrival of the twins and Bec’s flourishing TV career sidelined any reno plans, but early last year she returned to the metaphorical drawing board, redesigning the four-bedroom home with the help of builder The Melbourne Builder & Co.

“We envisioned the lounge, dining and kitchen as one large, open space that would flow seamlessly to an outdoor lounge, creating two distinct living areas.” The overall look would blend country warmth with contemporary style – “a relaxed, welcoming country ranch feel, grounded in natural materials but with a modern twist”. Within the footprint, Bec remodelled every room, the biggest structural change being the sacrifice of one of the four bedrooms by knocking down a wall to form a generous, airy living area. To compensate, an existing bedroom was upscaled to a bunkroom for six kids, with two sets of bunks and trundles. The main ensuite was also expanded by knocking down a wall, turning it into a luxurious retreat thanks to smart fittings from Reece Bathrooms.

“I visited my local Reece Bathroom Life store in Brighton while we were in the planning phase to select all our bathroom, laundry and kitchen hardware,” says Bec. “I fell in love with the ISSY ‘Adorn’ by Zuster vanity in the American Oak colour – it perfectly tied in with the natural aesthetic of the home.”

Key features throughout include oak joinery and flooring, which adds warmth and unifies the spaces. “The oak gives it that earthy, rustic feel while still looking sleek and modern,” says Bec.

The lavish country-inspired kitchen is the proverbial hub. One of Bec’s must-haves was a benchtop in Patagonia quartzite with dramatic striations of rust and ochre. “It is very bold and helps to elevate a warm neutral palette,” she says.

The island’s legs are a nod to traditional country style, while the white walls, paired with rich oak bring light and warmth, “make the space feel cosy and inviting, like a big hug. It’s all about creating a balance between functionality, comfort and timeless country charm.”

White VJ ceilings, exposed beams and the lightly rendered brickwork in the main bedroom, all in a white and sandy palette, are perfectly suited to the country ambience with a twist.

The other piece de resistance is a covered alfresco entertaining area, masterminded by landscape designer Nathan Burkett of Nathan Burkett Landscape Architecture. Its VJ and beamed ceiling echoes the interior, creating a flow that’s enhanced, visually and functionally, by walls of sliders. Its bells and whistles include an oversized TV, barbecue, dining area and fireplace, which makes it a magnet for all-seasons entertaining. But it also has a special emotional connection for Bec. “It gives me the feels with its serene perspective,” she says.

The alfresco area flows through to a garden that celebrates curves, with its centrepiece being a three-metre round pool. “We chose a fresh green tile from Clay Tiles for the pool, which complements the surrounding greenery and native gums,” explains Bec. The pool, in turn, is echoed in a white circular raised brick bed with an olive tree, together with meandering aggregate paths and beds, creating a real sense of place. “Nathan incorporated the natural curves of the land, the rolling hills that lead down to the lakes, into his design,” adds Bec.

As of December, Bec hasn’t yet had a chance to stay at her weekender, but with the holidays beckoning, she and her family will soon be able to enjoy her handiwork in all its glory. Watch this space.

Nathan Burkett Landscape Architecture, nathanburkett.com.au. Melbourne Builder & Co, themelbournebuilder.com.au.

The post Bec Judd’s quarter-million dollar property shortfall revealed appeared first on Homes To Love.

Drawing from the classic vernacular typical of the area, the three-level, five-bedroom home seems tailormade for the location – north-facing and overlooking the Yarra River, a rare and prized commodity in Melbourne. But when the owners discovered the waterfront block in 2016, the existing house was adrift.

“We found the property after a long search,” says the owner. “With its frontage and glorious northern aspect, it was the kind of place where the sun lingers and trees frame the view. It felt grounded and full of possibility.” However, she says the hapless house, having witnessed many additions and subtractions over the years, “felt bitty and the rooms didn’t speak to one another”. And it gave scant regard to those river views and the northern aspect.

Rather than add another layer, in 2018 the owners started afresh, hiring Adelaide Bragg of Adelaide Bragg Interiors and architect Russell Casper of CAD on a multi-year journey from tentative sketches to the final buttons and trims. Their mission? “We wanted the new design to feel timeless, grounded and not read as a new build, but rather as a home with an enduring sense of place.”

Generous proportions, light and flow were catchwords in the brief. “We wanted a home that felt effortless, practical, welcoming and connected to family life. The brief was about creating spaces that flowed seamlessly, balancing communal areas with moments of retreat – with relaxed spaces for everyday living balanced by more elevated zones for entertaining.” And, as the owner is a keen cook and baker, a kitchen that works for one cook or more while also accommodating visitors was a must.

“They wanted interiors that gathered the northern light and framed the tree-line, with materials that age gracefully and a palette that feels grounded and calm,” Adelaide explains. From the owners’ amassed Insta and Pinterest images, recurring themes emerged: “natural fibres, timber, soft colours, tailored detailing and craftsmanship”.

Adelaide and Russell opened the home to the north and choreographed long sightlines to the tranquil vista beyond. To the left of the entry and its dramatic staircase are a study, an office and a powder room; to the right are a formal living and dining space. Beyond that, an informal open plan abuts a loggia along the rear, with the kitchen anchoring the space and a scullery and mud room tucked behind it. In the basement below sit a second loggia leading to the garden, an indoor cinema and a gym. Five bedrooms, three with ensuites (the main has two), occupy the top level.

While allowing lashings of light, the generous glazing, together with the loggias and terracing at the rear, ensures the garden (designed by Paul Bangay) effectively becomes another room of the house.

That connection is fostered by the interior materials and palette. Exquisite attention to detail and craftsmanship prevail. “Subtle wall panelling brings rhythm and proportion,” says Adelaide, adding that the cornicing, stone fireplaces, mouldings and pelmets are also true to the Neo-Georgian vernacular. In English country-house style, a secret door off the formal dining room leads discreetly to the kitchen.

Limed French-oak chevron floors were chosen for their warmth and classic overtones; limestone in the kitchens and bathrooms (honed and lightly veined) delivers understated luxury and durability. Wallpapers create a cossetting feeling to the more intimate spaces. Brass door hardware was designed to patinate with use, and natural fabrics, such as linen, wool and cotton, were chosen for their “hand feel and fall” as much as for colour. Texture, according to Adelaide, “does the heavy lifting”, with open-weave linens, wool bouclé, grasscloth and hand-finished timber. Patterns are delicate and underplayed.

Similarly, the subtle palette draws its inspiration from what lies beyond the multi-paned sash windows and French doors. “Sun-washed and grounded, it ranges from warm whites and bone through to oat and caramel, lifted by soft eucalyptus and duck-egg tones, with deeper inky accents for balance,” she says.

By contrast, the furniture and fittings, such as the custom sofas, a dining table large enough for family and friends and a mighty pendant in the entry foyer, are not understated – their generous scale lends them a sense of gravitas, tailored to the rooms’ lavish proportions and lofty ceilings.

“Adelaide knew when to nudge us towards bolder choices and has an uncanny talent for pulling everything together so it feels cohesive,” says the owner, who relishes the expansiveness of the new-found indoor-outdoor connection but also the finer points. “We love the small, considered details – the finely crafted buttons, delicate trims and subtle bindings – that quietly elevate each space.”

“What I love about this house is the way the outdoor vistas are quietly echoed within the interiors through the materials and palette,” says Adelaide. “There’s a seamlessness between inside and out. But most of all, the home feels cohesive and unforced, as if it simply grew here.”

The Design Team

Adelaide Bragg Interiors: adelaidebragg.com

Casper Architecture & Design: casperarchitecture.com

The post This Neo-Georgian Melbourne home proudly owns its spectacular site appeared first on Homes To Love.

From a weekender down the road, the owners had long eyed up the property, which sits on a sand dune 20 metres above the beach and was at the time occupied by a ho-hum project home. In 2016, it came on the market and, after signing on the dotted line, they asked Jorge to build them their forever home. Having holidayed locally for some years, they had no illusions about what the exposed location could throw at them. “We knew the movements of the sun and where the prevailing winds came from. The harsh winds and salt-laden air can annihilate building materials,” says the owner.

That knowledge informed the brief for a new two-storey, three-bedroom house on the eastern oceanfront and a separate two-bedroom cottage across a courtyard on the western side. “It had to blend into the headland, so you can’t see it from the beach, with timber, off-form concrete, sandstone and copper (on the roof),” says the owner. “We wanted an indoor/outdoor feel with the downstairs fully open with sliders to the outside, but with separate spaces, such as a study for me and a media room for my wife. And the back, looking to the hinterland, would offer shelter and sunsets.”

A courtyard that offers protection from summer northeasterlies and access to winter sun was another must-have. It also had to hunker down and harmonise with the dune by having a modest profile and exploring natural materials. That sand dune, with the ever-present threat of erosion in the area, would call for a unique design solution. “As the site was perilously close to the waves and sitting on only sand, the idea of a wharf came to mind,” says Jorge. “Wharves straddle both solid land and the sea. From this, I developed a modern interpretation with wharf posts expressed both internally and externally.”

Those handsome posts would also be structurally beneficial, mitigating the threat of erosion. Jorge placed the house close to the sea by utilising the existing slab. Behind that, the 15-metre posts were burrowed five-storeys-deep into the sand. Also like a wharf, the house features a central circulation spine, with spaces left and right, on a journey to the ocean. “Having been to Japan, I was very impressed with their timber structures and capacity to last many centuries,” says Jorge. “That timeless aesthetic is linked to their ancient traditions.”

In Jorge’s case, his hand-crafted structure became the decoration, expressed literally in nuts and bolts. “The whole building is almost intuited as a piece of joinery,” he adds. He had the laminated Victorian ash posts and beams custom-made, along with the stainless-steel bolts that fasten handsome black steel straps around the base of the posts. Jorge also thinned down the rafters with black steel plates, resulting in a super-chic and svelte wharf aesthetic. Instead of plasterboard, he used a light beech plywood veneer and raw cementitious wall panelling to add depth and texture while referencing traditional Japanese building styles.

A floating stair, together with battens expressed in screens and sliding walls, creates an airy lightness and warmth throughout.

As well as blending beautifully with the seaside setting, the robust, raw materials withstand the harsh seaside conditions and some even thrive in them. The Victorian ash posts and blackbutt windows require infrequent oiling, the Shou Sugi Ban charred timber cladding (Japanese, of course) will last decades without attention, and the copper roofing will be immune to the salty air as it patinas attractively.

Similarly, the Accoya engineered-timber ceiling battens were chosen for their durability, in a light colour that takes its cues from the beach. The wide French oak flooring with a distressed finish “reflects the ruggedness and feeling of walking on sand,” says Jorge. “The natural materials and colour palette let the sea and sand dune do the talking. I love how the house looks like it was always there and will get better with time.”

“It’s a piece of livable art. Every aspect is beautiful, with exquisite finishes,” says the owner. “The oak flooring is great for walking on barefoot yet not tippy-toey because it doesn’t need to be nurtured. This isn’t a resort, just a comfortable beachside home.”

The Design Team

Jorge Hrdina: jorgehrdina.com

The post Japanese-inspired design turns this beach house into a Zen retreat appeared first on Homes To Love.

For Mark Bell, a dedicated lifelong garden guy and award-winning landscape designer, his love of landscapes is only matched by his love of design. “I’ve always had a huge passion for architecture,” he says. “When I started landscaping nearly 30 years ago, I loved working on these beautifully designed homes. I found it a real inspiration and it would always guide the landscape.”

Although they had planned their dream home on paper for years, Mark and his wife, Vanessa, had to lock down the right house for transformation. Their criteria was strict, which was probably why the search took two years.

For anyone who grew up seaside with saltwater in their ears on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, like Mark, or any other surf-devoted coastal community, they would know that for children of the beach, proximity to water is a non-negotiable. But looking for a house in Sydney’s Inner West meant that even though the local cottages were drop-dead charming, it posed a tedious trek through the city back to the beaches for their dose of water.

“I was like, ‘Okay, I will stay in Balmain, but we have to have a pool’.” That set the first criteria – a house with space for a pool. It also had to be north-facing, on a level block over 200sqm and the building had to have potential to renovate. What they found was a three-bedroom freestanding worker’s cottage with a cluster of soaring eucalyptus on a neighbouring property, which suggested bushland, in a secluded, quiet street – the last of the Balmain unicorns.

They decided to call on friends and colleagues to kickstart the renovation. Architecture firm CplusC created a floorplan that introduced an innovative internal courtyard, the ideal placement of the pool and helped get Mark and Vanessa through the initial DA stage. Then, for finishes and detail they turned to their friend Lena Teo of Teolam Architects to bring the comfort. “She’s just got this beautiful eye for detail and a very warm palette, which was very important to Vanessa,” says Mark.

The brief was to have the architecture and design push the envelope a bit, but as it’s a family home, keep the textures and colours warm. They had spent seven or eight years planning this project, dreaming, chatting and making sketches – and the sketches always featured recurring themes. “We’ve always loved black cladding,” he says. Louvred windows featured again and again, and crazy paving – a favourite feature in Mark’s landscaping jobs – kept turning up in their plans.

Lena was keen to work closely with Mark. “Because she’s a friend, we were both deep in it and wanted to think of the design as one package,” says Mark. “We agreed to just make this whole house and garden integrate.”

The materials selection was intentionally kept to a classic palette with lovely selections such as Super White dolomite, oak floors and joinery, and then a black feature wall to add a bit of drama. The colour, Porter’s Paints Palm Beach Black, is continued on the exterior cladding, although heritage rules required the front facade to remain white, but that works too. “It’s a real contrast when you walk in the door,” he says.

The house may have been a rare find, but there were still hurdles to overcome. The original plans called for an extension to the second storey to go full height, lifting the roof one metre to allow for a generous rumpus room for the kids, besides the three bedrooms. In one of those inexplicably inconsistent council decisions, the proposal was knocked back, even though the neighbours on both sides had been approved for the exact same extension. But that’s just how it goes when you’re playing DA roulette – you win some, you lose some. “The upside is that it creates a great space for some sensational family storage,” concedes Mark.

Multiple places for entertaining was always part of the brief, and was very deliberate from the start. “We were very intentional about the zoning in the house. The internal central courtyard is where we like to sit in the summer and that space is great for four adults, a lovely little sun-trap for a glass of wine,” says Mark. The next entertaining space is the island bench in the kitchen – always the hub. “That’s where we tend to meet and gather when people first arrive.”

And that leads to the most enjoyable space to entertain guests – the backyard – where the kids can lounge in the pool and the coffee table converts into a fire pit, encouraging the family to linger outdoors into the night.

But if you’re lucky enough to have a great backyard in Sydney – you’re going to want to be utilising every last bit of space. It was Vanessa – a fan of throwing a long lunch – who instigated the latest addition to the backyard: a long, curved concrete bench. It works as a day bed for lolling in the sun with an eye on the kids, but also transforms into a generous seating solution for up to 10 people for shared meals and celebrations when the couple pulls up a dining table to eat.

The seating zones in the house have also been put to the test at a family function with 50 guests, celebrating Vanessa’s father’s 85th birthday. During the planning and design process he wasn’t sure that people would naturally interact with the house the way he meant it to be used. “Were they going to instinctively gravitate towards the areas we’d created? And they did – it was great. It was like, ‘Oh, it works, the house works!’”

The Design Team

CplusC & Teolam Architects: teolam.com.au, @teolam_architects
Jacqui Koska: jacquikoska.com, @jacquikoska
Don Gee Building: @dongeebuilding
Bell Landscapes: belllandscapes.com.au

Mark Bell’s favourite things

I love to cook eggs and barbecues are my specialties.

My favourite space for entertaining is outdoors by the pool. I love the water and enjoy having other families over so that all the kids and adults can play in the pool and enjoy great conversation.

The plants I have always loved are succulents and cacti for their funky shapes and the way they break the rules – being spiky and unruly, but looking so darn cool. I limit their use in our designs because most of our gardens need to be ‘family focused’ with no spiky bits! My favourite plants [indoors] would be fiddle-leaf figs (Ficus lyrata) devil’s ivy, snake plant (Sansevieria) and some indoor cacti.

I’m inspired by the design work of numerous industry professionals, past and present. To be honest I don’t have a favourite, it’s more a project-by-project thing. Great design evokes emotion and connection, so to me it’s more about how a project ‘feels’ as opposed to just the aesthetic. Many of the architects we work with offer great inspiration and wonderful canvases for us to work with. I have a great passion for both architecture and landscaping, which I feel is why we’ve had so much success with architects, because we love to draw inspiration from both the built form and natural elements to form a truly cohesive result for the clients.

Flowers in a vase for my beautiful wife are never a bad idea.

My go-to restaurant is The Apollo in Sydney’s Potts Point. It is hard to beat for a quiet date night.

My favourite drink, while I rarely drink, a glass of prosecco or lager would refresh.

The next purchase I’m planning for my home: We completely rebuilt our home three years ago and after we moved in I ‘finished’ the garden. Then recently I got the itch, excavated it all and rebuilt it – so I have almost finished it again! Since I’m not on the tools like I used to be, I get restless and create projects for myself. We have just installed a huge off-form concrete bench seat, which has been on my shopping list for years, so that’s a nice milestone.

My fashion essentials are Jeans and white shoes.

I can’t live without my family. I’m very blessed with the abundant love in my life.

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The post A landscape designer’s dream home in Balmain proves the best gardens start indoors appeared first on Homes To Love.

The bespoke tailor and interior designer duo purchased the property in 2020 for $10.05 million, investing half a decade in its transformation. Positioned on Eastbourne Road, the five-bedroom mansion sits on a thousand-square-metre parcel with a 30-metre frontage and uninterrupted views across Double Bay and Seven Shillings Beach.

Inside the Darling Point mansion

Reconfigured by Tamsin Johnson Interiors, the house coalesced its original architectural details –  high ornate ceilings, arched windows and timber panelling – with subtle modernisation and Tamsin Johnson’s signature whimsy. Calacatta marble surfaces, Italian tumbled floors and bespoke joinery run throughout, complemented by French alabaster pendants and Murano glass sconces referencing the home’s Art Deco origins.

The ground floor includes formal living spaces with fireplaces, a library, sunroom and dining room, each opening to terraces and manicured gardens designed by Wyer & Co. While the idyllic kitchen centres on a marble island, with Perrin & Rowe fittings, European appliances and cabinetry detailed with the brand’s signature “croissant” handles.

Upstairs, three bedrooms include a principal suite with a Hollywood-style dressing room and marble-lined ensuite overlooking the harbour. Additionally, the lower level features a wellness area with sauna, steam room and cold plunge pool, alongside a separate gym or guest suite.

Throughout, the renovation prioritises proportion, texture and natural light permeation. The addition of internal access from a double garage and the creation of an entirely new third level reflect a practical approach to modern living.

Kendall Lodge is being sold via expressions of interest through TRG’s Gavin Rubinstein and Marion Badenoch, following a series of high-profile Darling Point and Bellevue Hill sales in the $20 to $30 million range. The Johnsons have since purchased a 1970s harbourfront property in Watsons Bay for $28.4 million – their next design undertaking.

The post Tamsin and Patrick Johnson list their restored Darling Point Art Deco mansion appeared first on Homes To Love.

Call it a skate ramp, a ski slope or even a surfer’s delight – the roof of Avalon’s famous ‘Wave House’ defies traditional construction with its fluid form. The house has been much buzzed about since the late 1980s when it was built, the dramatic design elevating it to icon status.

“All the Northern Beaches locals know it,” says Morgan Reid of Alexandra Kidd Interior Design (AK.ID), who had driven past many times and was lucky enough to be the lead designer on its recent renovation, alongside design principal Alexandra Kidd. “When I told people I was working on it, everyone said, ‘Oh, that house!’

The owners recognised the building’s design significance from the outset and wanted to honour its legacy while converting it into a home that was sophisticated but not out of reach. Given its age and unusual shape, the renovation process wasn’t all smooth sailing. There were waterproofing issues and the windows had to be replaced due to their age and long-term exposure to the elements. A heavy maritime theme lent the house to lots of beach-shack blue, sandstone and window portholes, which needed to be reconsidered, though Morgan was conscious of not expunging its character.

“The architecture makes a big statement and it was important to keep the integrity of the building intact,” she says. “We didn’t want to come in and change everything, but at the same time it was a bit overwhelming. So, rather than compete with it, we adopted a simple materials palette that hinted back to the nautical narrative but in a quieter way. Our philosophy was refinement over reinvention.”

This involved gently pulling apart and recrafting the interiors to “echo the coastal setting”. New elements included creamy microcement walls and stone slabs, fresh oat colours for the furniture, and grasscloth wallpaper and jute rugs. The result is a home with “warmth, resilience and longevity”, says Morgan.

The seaside palette weaves through the house, and has been especially amped up in the powder room with blue-grey tones: a slab of Fusion quartzite with a smudged, painterly effect; walls in Bauwerk Colour ‘Fjord’; and a shelf basin from Nood Co. “We knew when to intervene and when to let the form breathe,” says Morgan of finding the right balance.

“Even the structural challenges were resolved with care so the house’s poetic rhythm was never disrupted. Every adjustment was intentional and each element considered to support the next chapter of family life without disrupting the home’s soul.”

A central fireplace hub and joinery unit is at the heart of the ground floor, with the kitchen, dining and living areas tucked into their own respective corners. From the communal area, there’s a panorama out to the water, which glitters all the way to Avalon Beach and its headland. Accessed by a spiral staircase unfurling to the garden, the whale-watching platform provides regular sightings at migration time.

Inside, daylight seeps through a wall of glass bricks, illuminating the staircase reaching down to the lower ground floor. At night, brass-domed sconces light the way to a renovated bedroom and main bedroom wing, the latter with white Calacatta Vagli Oro marble in the ensuite. Alexandra’s team worked alongside building designer Peter Downes to demolish the pool along the side of the house and replace it with a bedroom and ensuite, extending the house in order to satisfy the owners’ needs.

While the rest of the house is exposed to light from its sweeping sheets of glass, the open mezzanine is the cosy counterpoint. Solid timber battens form the underside of the hull-like ceiling, which has been patched and stained, cultivating a warm, moody atmosphere. Known as the reading room, it’s decked out with a Ligne Roset ‘Prado’ settee and chairs by Douglas Snelling and from Tacchini.

“The end result is a living sculpture: immersive, grounded and emotionally resonant,” says Morgan. “We’ve created a place where the architecture becomes art and design elevates the everyday, a timeless retreat where the line between structure and setting dissolves into a calm, expressive whole.”

The Design Team

Alexandra Kidd Interior Design: alexandrakidd.com

Bradstreet Building: bradstreet.com

Peter Downes: peterdownes.com

The post Reawakening a timeless coastal sanctuary appeared first on Homes To Love.

Set within a heritage sandstone building beside Mosman Bay, the top-floor residence boasts a teppanyaki barbecue, a wrap-around balcony, an open rooftop bathtub and a kitchenette hidden within a turret, making it the ultimate entertainer’s oasis.

While it’s not known how much the couple paid for the property, we do know the penthouse was last sold in 2003 for $2.85 million before being rented out at $5,700 per week in 2016. With that said, speculative guesses sit around the $12 million to $16 million mark.

Meanwhile, the sale price of the couple’s Cremorne property is also yet to be revealed; however, it is believed to have gone under the hammer for below its $23 million price tag.

The post Lisa Wilkinson snaps up a modern penthouse with harbour views in Mosman appeared first on Homes To Love.

In 2023, they hired Arabella, who they had worked with in the past, to refresh its austere interiors. “We wanted an elegant, refined home – French country inspired – with classic finishes and furniture with character,” says Michelle.

“It had to be warm and welcoming and bring the outdoors in, so we could enjoy our garden in all weathers. And it had to withstand children running and dancing!”

“The first thing that struck me was the generosity of the spaces,” says Arabella, “but they lacked a clear focus. We wanted to create definition and purpose.” First, she installed traditional-style windows with classic framing. In the living areas, they extend floor to ceiling, framing an elegant garden by Spectra-Scape.

Sharing a similar French muse, classic herringbone timber floors throughout were chosen for their “visual movement, a subtle rhythm that creates a dynamic flow through large rooms, zoning the spaces while maintaining a feeling of openness,” she says. Adding elegance and polish, skirtings and cornicing soften the right angles.

Tactile textures make the large spaces feel intimate and foster an organic connection to the landscape. Timber adds warmth underfoot, and Venetian plaster in the open plan and cavernous 15-metre hallway reflect the morning and evening light.

The beautifully veined green marble benchtops boldly echo the trees beyond. Elegant Italian linen drapery graces the windows. “Its organic slubs and natural wrinkles add a relaxed feel and filter the light,” says Arabella. Layered textiles, such as fringed cushions on a linen sofa, bring further textural depth.

The palette draws on the lush Hunter Valley and the drier plains beyond. “While river-washed whites create the calm foundation, the palette comes alive with deep greens and earthy tones,” says Arabella.

“We wanted to capture the full spectrum, from the valley’s lush landscape to the rich, ancient colours of the earth.”

THIS IS THE LIFE
“We love the open plan, because of the connection it brings between us and the garden beyond,” says Michelle. “It’s a lovely home to entertain in. The outdoors flow indoors and, when the doors are open, the garden fills the room from every direction.” The office is used most working days. “With its emerald quartz desk and outlook over the fields, it is an inspiring space to work from.”

The furniture blends artisan pieces with antiques. The worn, pitted surfaces of a French dining table, a stunning sideboard and vintage wall sconces “bring a sense of history that instantly makes the home feel established”. Meanwhile, over-sized sofas, ottomans and bedheads reflect the generous proportions of the rooms.

“I love seeing how happy the owners are in their home,” says Arabella. “When I visited recently it was filled with life and felt completely lived in. We created a home that reflects their personalities and values.”

The Design Team:

Arabella Gardiner Design: ag-design.com.au.

Plateau Projects: plateauprojects.com.au.

Spectra-Scape: spectrascape.com.au.

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The post A serene Hunter Valley farmhouse reborn with quiet elegance appeared first on Homes To Love.

Built in 1903, the heritage mansion rests on a lush 3214-square-metre block overlooking the harbour and, thanks to an award-winning renovation by heritage architect Clive Lucas, presents polished old-world charm across two light-filled levels.

The home has played host to many a star-studded soiree over the years, as documented on Lisa’s Instagram, including an election night dinner party attended by TV chef Nigella Lawson. Designed for entertaining, the five-bedroom, four-bathroom home also boasts a tennis court, swimming pool and spa, and Will Dangar-designed gardens.

According to Domain, Lisa and Peter bought the estate back in 1998 for $2.95 million before going on to add two adjoining lots to restore the property to its original size.

Lisa Wilkinson’s family home in Cremorne

Formal living area

There’s arches and stained windows galore in the spacious formal living area. Surrounded by bay windows, this light-filled space enjoys leafy treetop vistas and a cosy window seat.

Breakfast area

Meal times come with more of those serene garden views thanks to numerous French windows and doors.

Library

No grand estate is complete without a home library. Painted a minty green, this bright, sun-dappled room features sash windows and original timber flooring.

Kitchen

An all-neutral palette features in the generously-sized open-plan kitchen, which has played host to many a dinner party.

Balcony

Overlooking Cremorne and the property’s tennis court, the balcony looks like a nice place to sip your morning coffee.

Coach house

At the front of the property is the former coach house, which has been reimagined as a stylish teenager’s retreat.

Swimming pool

Outside, the heated swimming pool, spa and poolside cabana are framed by lush Will Dangar-designed gardens.

Main bedroom

Designed to the palatial proportions typical of a heritage mansion, the main suite boasts an ensuite, walk-in wardrobe, separate dressing room and sunroom.

Sunroom

In the main suite, the adjoining sunroom takes advantage of Ingleneuk’s impeccable harbour views.

Exterior

The ornate Federation Arts and Crafts details of the home’s facade have been beautifully refurbished.

The post Lisa Wilkinson finally sells her breathtaking Cremorne home appeared first on Homes To Love.

This unplanned introduction to their future home felt serendipitous for the Colemans, who had initially visited the property to view a parcel of subdivided land. Two days after inspecting the homestead, Maree went into labour with their youngest daughter.

“There were some lengthy negotiations while I was in hospital, but by the time I came home with baby Annabelle, we had secured Rosebank,” says Maree. And with that, a two-year renovation began with another “no-brainer”: the decision to hire Maree’s childhood friend Louise Spicer, creative director of OneFour Interiors, to bring the old dame into the 21st century. “I know people would say not to mix friendship with business,” says Maree, “but not for us – it was the perfect working relationship.”

Louise agrees. “I guess it could’ve been a disaster, but it never was,” she reflects. “Maree’s a beautiful, calm soul, and Mark is super-professional. We have a lot of trust in each other, so we could bounce ideas around easily.”

Step one of the restorations involved removing a poorly designed addition, probably from the 1980s, and replacing it with a modern extension housing an open-plan kitchen, living and dining space. “The house, when it was original, was very room-oriented; it was very dark and it had a tiny kitchen for the size of the home,” explains Maree. “Now, the extension is open plan and flooded with light. Growing up in an Italian family, cooking and food is life, and I love it when family and friends congregate around the island bench.”

Another important aspect was creating a tangible connection to the surroundings, something Louise achieved by extending the rebuilt addition further into Rosebank’s 100-year-old gardens. “It feels like the garden has been built around the house, but we actually kind of built the house into the garden,” says Louise.

French doors, a large steel-framed bay window and an enormous skylight create an enviable indoor-outdoor flow that the whole family enjoys. “Sitting in the breakfast nook feels like you’re sitting in the garden,” says Maree. “I really love the kitchen and breakfast area; we’ve had many meals and made many memories around this table.”

On a mission to change as little as possible in the original part of the home, Louise focused on marrying old and new while preserving as many heritage features as possible, including the marble fireplaces, pressed metal ceilings and external brickwork. “It was all about connecting the original building to the extension,” she says.

This sensitive approach meant the project went surprisingly smoothly for a heritage restoration. “The minor remodelling we did within the old house was sympathetic enough that nothing felt overwhelming,” Louise adds.

Having realised their dream, there’s nothing the Colemans enjoy more than sharing their private sanctuary with friends and family, especially on special occasions. “We moved in on December 24, 2020, and have hosted Christmas every year since,” says Maree. “It’s busy and big, but lovely.”

With plenty of room for everyone to relax, and a pool and gardens for the kids to run wild, Christmas Day is always a resounding success at Rosebank. As always, this year the extended Coleman clan will enjoy a traditional festive lunch with one highly anticipated inclusion. “I always make Christmas pudding using a Coleman recipe gifted to me by one of my husband’s aunties,” says Maree.

For more, visit onefourinteriors.com.au and follow @onefour_interiors on Instagram.

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The post A renovation took this heritage homestead from dark and drab to a light-filled entertainer’s oasis appeared first on Homes To Love.

Where does Millie Bobby Brown live?

Young actress Millie Bobby Brown lives on a farm in Georgia with her husband Jake Bongiovi, the 23-year-old son of rock star Jon Bon Jovi.

While the Stranger Things star has shared little of the interiors of her farmhouse, she has shared video of its surrounding green paddocks, where she keeps her many farm animals, as well as glimpses into her animal rescue facilities for her organisation, Joey’s Friends.

“So, 25 animals live outside, then I have 10 dogs that live inside, four cats, and then I have 23 dogs that live outside but in a sanctuary, in a rescue building that’s outside my house, that I built to save stray dogs,” she told Alex Cooper on the podcast.

Millie also told Vanity Fair about how she has been studying veterinary science and has even bought an ultrasound machine for Joey’s Friends.

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Millie and Jake’s holiday home

In addition to her idyllic farm in Georgia, the star has also said that she has a house next to her parents in London; family is never too far away for the new mother. It is also reported that Millie and Jake bought another house in Devon for around $8 million.

Since the couple tied the knot in May 2024, Millie and Jake have become parents to a baby girl through adoption.

How many animals does Millie Bobby Brown have?

Earlier this year, Millie shared on BBC Radio 1 that she has a total of 25 farm animals, 23 foster dogs and 10 dogs as personal pets, as well as four cats, bringing her total number of animals to 62.

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The post Inside Millie Bobby Brown’s wholesome farm life with husband Jake Bongiovi appeared first on Homes To Love.