Easy breezy Opting for a new build turned out to be the best solution for a compact but perfectly positioned site in Sydney

AWASH WITH TEXTURE AND AN INSTANTLY FRESH FEEL, THIS NEW BUILD IN SYDNEY IS A DREAM COME TRUE FOR ONE LUCKY FAMILY OF FIVE

Feeling connected to your neighbourhood is important for a happy home life – and for Rachel, the affinity she has with the street on Sydney’s Northern Beaches where she was born and raised goes back to her childhood. “I would walk down this street as a teenager and take photos of the houses and would think how beautiful it would be to live there,” she shares.

Rachel, with her husband Adam and their children, Jed, seven, Zali, five, and Isla, nearly two, feels so blessed to now live in their newly built four-bedroom home on that very same tree-lined avenue. “When the property came on the market in 2017, we were not planning to move at all,” says Rachel, “but my husband and I looked at each other and said we had to do it. We moved heaven and earth to make it happen, and we are so glad we did.”

The compact block contained a tired 1970s two-bedroom house, a tight squeeze for the then family of four. It wasn’t long until thoughts turned to a new build. “We wanted to make it sustainable for us to live here for the long term,” says Rachel. “I was pregnant with Isla, so we needed to find a way to make the amount of space we had work.”

She and Adam turned to local firm Du Plessis + Du Plessis Architects. “They really understand what families need,” explains Rachel, who had worked with them on previous renovations. Interior architect Sally Rhys-Jones was brought on board to detail the interiors and fine-tune the layout. The brief was clear. “They wanted a classic, relaxed beach house style that was light and bright, natural and textural,” says Sally. Not quite a minimalist, but with a preference for uncluttered surfaces, Rachel’s wishlist included maximised storage and a layout that allowed her to close a door on the kids’ mess and creative projects. “We stole every little bit of space and used every nook we could,” notes Sally.

MJK Building commenced the works in early 2020 while the family lived in a rental property nearby and negotiated all the disruptions that the Covid pandemic served up. “It could have been very stressful but MJK Building were brilliant,” says Rachel. “The build was on budget and ahead of schedule. I never imagined, starting in January, that we would be in by Christmas, and we were in with two months to spare!”

The weatherboard and stone two-storey home sits comfortably on the streetscape, reflecting the design vernacular of the heritage beauties that Rachel has long admired. “It was important that our new home made the street even more beautiful,” she says. “We are thrilled to be living in this special spot, and now we have all the space we need.

“I love that there is natural texture everywhere you look, whether it’s the stone fireplace, the raw wood or the Carrara marble in the kitchen. It’s all worked so well. I often look around and think, ‘Oh my gosh, yes, this is exactly what we wanted. That’s what we drew and that’s what we dreamt of – and now here it is!’ ”

“EVERYTHING IS pared back HERE. CLEAN SURFACES AND clean lines RELAX ME” ~ RACHEL

COASTAL CALM Natural textures imbue this relaxing family retreat with a sense of serenity; the quiet palette and open, airy feel helping to balance the activity of three little ones under the age of eight. “Their energy and all of their stuff can make a room feel full just by them being in it!” says homeowner Rachel (pictured, opposite, with husband Adam and their brood, baby Isla, Jed and Zali). “The kitchen flows into the living area, where we share meals and relax or play – and this dining table is one piece of furniture I don’t mind getting covered in crayon. The more worn-in it becomes, the more I love it.” For a similar dining table and chair set, try Temple & Webster. The timber decking and detail (opposite) is spotted gum hardwood and the front door painted in Dulux Black is complemented by a ‘Chelsea’ outdoor wall light in weathered bronze from Dunlin. >

KITCHEN The harmonious marriage of functionality and style in the kitchen (above) is a result of interior architect Sally Rhys-Jones’s clever planning. “We didn’t have much space available for the butler’s pantry and integrated fridge,” says Sally. “We actually punched into under the staircase for more room.” Carrara marble from Central Coast Granite, the shapely Normann Copenhagen ‘Bell’ pendants from Huset and ‘Kiki’ bar stools from MCM House bring home the clean look. LIVING AREA Havwoods ‘Allevard’ flooring and walls in Dulux Natural White Quarter flow through the open-plan area (opposite), as do the inviting textures. “I’m drawn to how things feel, so I’ve chosen natural materials in a soothing palette,” says Rachel. She paired Jardan’s ‘Wilfred’ sofa in ‘Hampton’ linen with an ‘Avalon’ coffee table from MCM House. Artwork by Ash Holmes. >

VERANDAH A sunny welcome is assured at the north-facing front verandah (below), with spotted gum decking, weatherboards painted in fresh Dulux Snowy Mountains Half and a Malawi chair. Just off the playroom, the fun of playtime often spills into this area, “or Adam and I will sit and have a drink while watching the kids ride on their bikes”, says Rachel. The blue Turkish towel is from Driftwood Living. MAIN BEDROOM Coats of Dulux Natural White and a ‘Noosa’ fan from EGLO Air emphasise the airy feel (opposite). Linen and wool are the materials of choice in this room, with linen sheers in Moonlight from Windows In Profile, a ‘Sloane Tuft’ bedhead in Grey from Canvas & Sasson, a dusty blue throw from In The Sac and the ‘Tangier’ rug from Armadillo. A ‘Seabreeze’ table lamp from Village Home & Gifts and Belgian vintage washed linen cushions from Adairs complete the look.

DECK Opening up a row of bi-fold doors in the living area reveals a spotted gum hardwood deck, with the backyard beyond. “We imagined the kids would be in the back garden all the time, but they spend more time at the front, playing handball on the driveway!” says Rachel, pictured below with her family. Nonetheless, the deck is beautifully styled, with a ‘Reef Round’ coffee table from Globe West, more Malawi chairs from Malawi Cane and potted greenery in planters from The Pot Warehouse in Mona Vale. The ‘Bower Blend’ natural stone cladding from Barefoot Living in Manly adds beachy tones to the front and back facade, and is also featured in the living area fireplace surrounds.