Tree Wishes In a sweet spot between bush and beach, this Sydney holiday home feels like a private treehouse.
Three sisters joined forces to create a blissful retreat on Sydney’s Pittwater, where their families enjoy holidays in the midst of outstanding natural beauty.
Drawn by the natural beauty of the surrounding spotted-gum forest and sparkling views of Sydney’s Pittwater, sisters Jo, Fiona and Lindi purchased two neighbouring blocks of land at the same auction in 2007. Their plan was to create a family hub for laidback holiday living – in homes designed by Jo’s husband, architect Albert Hoggett.
Ten years on, the dream has become a reality and two three-level properties grace the steep, bushy sites. Jo and Albert own the north house, where they spend time with their teenage sons; the south house (shown on these pages) is jointly owned by all three sisters. The houses stand side by side yet are independent. Care has been taken to ensure visual privacy for each, but a path linking the outdoor areas allows easy access between the two when required. Both are homes away from home for the sisters and their respective families.
Albert’s inspiration for the houses was largely drawn from the magnificent setting and he chose natural materials that sit well within the bush context. The result is two complementary, contemporary Australian designs that pay homage to their environment and give the families the generous entertaining areas they were after.
To imbue the interiors of both homes with a casual, relaxed aesthetic, Jo engaged interior designers Jacinta Woods and Sonia Warner of Woods & Warner. The duo specified simple, well-considered furnishings so as not to compete with the views or the architecture. “It feels as if you are nestled among the trees here,” Jacinta says, “so the selections were based on a natural, earthy palette with sophisticated finishes.” Their furniture choices included Australian brands such as Jardan and Zuster. Each piece was also selected with a view to child- and pet-friendliness.
In the south house, a front door clad in spotted gum opens to the entrance hall and main living area, with a generous kitchen/dining zone across the hall for family members with a passion for cooking. Expanses of glass along the western face offer views across the treetops to Pittwater and beyond. High louvre windows facilitate cross-ventilation and bifold doors open up the ‘wall’ almost entirely, eliminating the need for air conditioning.
The sleep zone on the lower-ground floor has four bedrooms (one with an ensuite) and a large bathroom. On the third level, stepped down again, is a family room with kitchenette. It opens to another deck, sensitively constructed around the gum trees and infinity pool. If anyone wants sand with their swim, Palm Beach is a few minutes away.
Keen to have their first experience of Pittwater, the families camped onsite that first Christmas – without hot water – while the building work continued. Each home took about 18 months to construct and both were completed by early 2014. Now entirely comfortable in its own skin and setting, this harmonious holiday hub is primed and ready for another summer of family and friends.
‘It’s like being in a very private treehouse.’ Jacinta Woods, interior designer