KEY TO the city
Set on the edge of a park near Sydney’s CBD, this beautifully renovated terrace reveals a connoisseur’s blend of old and new.
After bringing up seven children in Sydney’s eastern suburbs – and with most of them well clear of the family home – Jacquie and Tim decided to move closer to the action. In 2003, they spotted a promising inner-city terrace on a great block at the end of a tree-lined street. On one side was a small landscaped park, recently created by the local council. With no wall or fence in place, the park looked as though it belonged to the house, a fact that didn’t escape the couple.
“One of the reasons we bought the house was because of the new park development and the north-easterly aspect, surrounded by trees,” says Jacquie. Another deciding factor was the home’s location, within walking distance of the CBD and close to a small, yacht-dotted bay, so that the upper floor caught fresh sea breezes.
Not so wonderful was the actual structure, which was in a terrible state: a labyrinth of dark and poky rooms, unsafe balconies and a front section riddled with asbestos. After cleaning up the place and making it liveable, the couple moved in, aware that they needed to embrace the challenges of an extensive renovation.
It took five years to secure council approval for such a project within their heritage conservation area. Once the plans were finally approved – after several knock-backs – Jackie and Tim embarked on a comprehensive renovation that grew in scope during the construction phase. The result is a sophisticated set of rooms that seamlessly blend the best of old and new.
Now restored, the ground floor is dedicated to relaxation and socialising. Entry is via an elegant new foyer fitted with antique
FORMAL LIVING Treasures on display range from Thai puppet left and above heads to Persian miniatures and European antique furniture. Jacquie had the linen cover of the sofa at left dyed navy by Cullachange; the other was re-covered in a chinoiserie print. A custom chandelier was made with handblown Murano glass and naturally shed deer antlers. Flowers throughout are from Blooomey’s.
‘Having a little outside area gives you another dining setting for summer days and nights.’ Jacquie
double doors and a marble-tiled floor, bookended by a laundry and powder room. The original entrance hall was combined with the adjacent front bedroom to create a formal living room, where stately chandeliers hang from the lofty ceilings. Large windows were installed along the northern wall to bring the park vista indoors.
In the centre of the ground floor, Jacquie created a striking tableau of tradition and modernity. On one side, a traditional dining setting with 19th-century carved walnut chairs and an extra-wide table crafted from a pair of Georgian drop-side tables; on the other, a cleanlined, contemporary kitchen in a functional galley layout. “The kitchen is a treat,” says Jacquie. “So easy to clean and to work in. Everything has a place.”
Beyond that, at the rear of the house, is a more casual living space cum library. It opens to an inside-outside living space and a high-walled courtyard. “Having a little outside area gives you another dining setting for summer days and nights,” says Jacquie.
To suit the revamped spatial configuration, Jacquie designed a grand new staircase that complies with 21st-century building regulations; daughter Henrietta designed the balustrade in polished black steel. It leads up to the first floor – which accommodates two bedrooms, two bathrooms and an office – and the new second floor with fourth bedroom, ensuite and storage space (achieved by breaking into the roof space). Skylights installed on the top level bring in sunlight and afford views of the city over the roof.
White walls throughout give a modern sense of space and energy, and form a pristine backdrop for the couple’s thoughtfully curated assemblages of art, antique furniture and other collectables. Some of their pieces were discovered during travels in Asia and the Middle East; others are heirlooms or auction finds; a few were customised and made specially for the home. The overall result shows a strong, decorative vision and obvious appreciation of beauty.
Jacquie and Tim have now moved house, though are still based in Sydney while they search for their next venture – a country property or small working farm. They both look back on their time in the city home with affection, for its lifestyle and the sophisticated interiors they brought to life there. “We created another world in this house,” says Jacquie fondly, “surrounded by a collection of things we love.”
‘Our aim was to create a comfortable home where we could live and relax in every room.’ Jacquie
MAIN BEDROOM An embroidered Chinese shawl (above bedhead) and exquisite 18th-century piece have the walls covered. Cushions by Elio Upholstery. The boots are from Tim’s polo-playing days; the tapestry on the bench, stitched by his mother, also references the sport. The chair is a Georgian design in mahogany.
ENSUITE In the bath, marble tiles laid in horizontal stripes evoke the hammams, or bathhouses, of Morocco. Tapware, Renovation D.
Designer buy: ‘ Nero Marquina’ honed marble tiles (black), from $111/m2, and ‘Bianco Carrara’ honed marbles tiles, from $140/m2, Marble & Ceramic Corp.
GUESTROOM All the bedcovers in the house were found at the Grand Bazaar of Damascus. The pink pineapple lamp base was an auction find. Draped on the bed is a hand-embroidered Chinese antique robe in imperial yellow. Shutters, Spotlight. Artwork by Ross Davis. For Where to Buy, see page 188. #