Seventh Heaven A Sydney couple and their five offspring all had input into their wonderful beachside home.

In Sydney’s southern suburbs a couple found a block that fitted the bill of relaxed coastal living, then built a home fit for their five active children.

After walking along a quiet beach one morning in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, Adam and Elisa Grant decided to make enquiries about properties for sale in the area. It was March 2014 and their timing was perfect because they soon learnt of a place that backed onto the beach, just before it was listed. They grabbed the opportunity to buy the house and negotiated a long settlement.

While the location was ideal and the 30-year-old brick house well-maintained, it wasn’t big enough for their family of seven. The couple decided to knock down most of the structure to accommodate their needs.

“Adam works in the building industry and had always dreamed of creating a house designed and purpose-built to meet our family’s long wish list,” says Elisa. “The design process was fun, with all of us providing input into what it should look like and how it should work.” The final plans took 12 months to finalise and gain council approval. By March 2015, they were ready to start.

The family wanted a modern beach home with aluxuryhotel feel – and architect Darren Tye of Architexture delivered. The resulting seven-bedroom home spans three levels and includes every extra: a study, cinema, gym, rumpus and pool rooms, spa and swimming pool.

Adam managed the tw0-year build with Ben Richards on of BRB, but relied heavily on interior designers Emma Buchan and Alex Mason, who were involved very early in the process. Their company, EB Interiors, designed and detailed all the joinery, staircases, fireplaces and feature details. They also selected and/or designed the furniture, art and accessories – right down to the towels and cutlery. “Their knowledge of the latest things available and what works is exceptional,” says Elisa.

Emma and Alex used the surrounding landscape as inspiration for the colour and texture palettes. “The house is in such a beautiful location that we wanted to embrace it and continue it through the interiors,” says Emma. As a result, a lot of natural stone, pale timber, linen and cotton were chosen.

Now everyone has their own bedroom and there are plenty of places to play and retreat. Elisa especially loves the new alfresco area, particularly in summer, when she reads the papers on Sunday mornings and often has friends over for lunch. “This is our own piece of paradise,” she says. “It’s like being on a permanent holiday.” > Architexture, 0414 744 874 or darren@tye.net.au. BRB, 0409 066 500 or ben@brbuilding.com.au. EB Interiors, (02) 9544 4507 or ebinteriors.net.au.