Out of the blue This abode offers a homecoming for its owners

THIS COASTAL ABODE OFFERS A RELAXED HOMECOMING FOR THREE GENERATIONS OF ONE FAMILY

HEARTFELT HOME By day and night, memories are made in Terry and Rory’s home, located on the northern beaches of Sydney – a place for the entire family, including four-year-old grandson Flynn (pictured), to enjoy downtime. “I didn’t want this to be a home that no-one could relax in because it was ‘too nice’,” says Terry. “It has to be a place for everyone to use.” The central living domain epitomises Terry’s laid-back coastal style (below), with a striking image of a Mursi woman by German photographer Mario Gerth commanding attention above the mantel. Some other relaxed pieces on show include a sculpture on a custom-made timber cabinet – bought in Cape Town – the leather ottoman from Table Tonic and the inviting cushions on a day bed from Beachwood Designs. As throughout much of the home, the blue glass feature windows inject colour, character and charm. “I absolutely love them,” adds Terry.

For Terry and Rory, a life by the sea is better still when shared with family and friends. And that’s the way it will always be for these parents and grandparents, who love nothing more than sharing the delights of their relaxed, ocean-front home on Sydney’s idyllic northern beaches. Hugging a rock face just metres from the sand, this is a home bathed in light and loveliness, with organic textures coming to the fore and a beguiling collection of much-loved pieces acquired from travels around the globe permeating each space with a style all its own.

Yet for Terry, there is one distinguishing feature of the home that is possibly more alluring than all others – tinted blue glass panels that bring sunlit bursts of colour to almost every room. “When we first walked through the home three years ago, it was in a very different state, but the beautiful blue panes always stood out to me,” she recalls. “I remember looking at the windows and then out to the blue ocean and sky, thinking, ‘This is what we’ve been looking for’.”

Indeed, Terry was quick to have her say when the initial renovation design of their home proposed the removal of those long-existing windows. “I’m so glad I stood my ground,” says the homeowner of the unique feature, which brings joy to all who step inside.

The blues of the ocean have long held meaning for Terry and Rory, who were both born in Cape Town in South Africa and met four decades ago while they were still at school together. “We were childhood sweethearts – I was just 15 and Rory was 17 at the time,” remembers Terry. “We’ve had a wonderful and interesting journey together but, wherever we’ve been, the water has been a big part of our lives. Rory has always loved the ocean and surfing.”

Moving to Australia 20 years ago with their daughters Amy and Lauren, then aged 15 and 11, the family settled into a home “just up the hill” from where they live today. “We loved that house and made a lot of good memories there, as that’s where the girls had their teenage years,” says Terry. “But when we found this house, we knew it would be just right for us. It’s really in the most beautiful position.”

While the spot was perfect, the four-bedroom home – spread over two levels with decks overlooking the sea – was in need of some love. “It had been a holiday house for 10 years, so the garden was overgrown, the decking was rotted and there was some rust,” says Terry who, with Rory, joined forces with Eduardo Villa of Villa & Villa Architecture and interior designer Florence Fleming from Beachwood Designs to help reinvigorate the home. “We decided to open up the eating and living area, putting in a new kitchen, bathrooms and a new laundry,” says Terry, who has also nurtured the home’s garden, which is now flourishing with palms, succulents and natives.

The result is an undeniably special home – one that offers an easy connection to nature and ample space for all, including, of course, a designated room for regularly visiting grandchildren. “This house has changed our lives in a way that it’s become even more of a family home,” says Terry. “We feel so very blessed to be here.”

FRONT ENTRANCE In dramatic contrast with the home’s crisp white walls, the inky wrought-iron front doors (top left) make a memorable first impression. “These doors were here when we bought the house,” says Terry. “I feel they add a lot of character to the home.” Resting on a whitewashed console from The Boathouse Home, a glass buoy found at Beachwood Designs pays homage to the location, while the rug from Karavan is also a natural fit with the home’s relaxed coastal aesthetic.

DECK Could there be a better way to while away a few hours on a warm afternoon than gazing out to sea in one of these reclaimed Australian hardwood Adirondack chairs? “There are lots of lovely little outdoor areas to sit and relax here,” says Terry of one of the home’s decks (left).