GRAND LADY | VAULCUSE

This stately, turn-of-the-century home is tucked away at the end of a concealed driveway off Wentworth Road. Original features, including cottage pane windows and timber shutters, are inherent to its charm.

The brief for Grand Lady: to contemporise the beautiful three-storey Vaucluse residence without compromising its old-world character. Improving circulation through the home and accessing the beautiful views were chief priorities. It was a complex renovation involving all parts of the home to improve facilities and take advantage of magnificent 180-degree views. 

The grand country manor entrance, surrounded by magnificent gardens and greenery, lead into the ground floor level with largely original living, dining and family rooms as well as kitchen, informal living area and laundry. 

The client requested a handcrafted timber staircase with handrail which Maxine designed to invite the gaze up to a stunning double volume atrium and contemporary chandelier.

Maxine expanded the kitchen space to include a walk-in pantry and Sub Zero fridges, easily connecting to the children’s TV and study spaces. The laundry connects the house to the garage and provides a convenient mudroom for cleanup before entering the home proper. 

The upper level is built for privacy, housing the main bedroom, kids’ bedrooms and bathrooms. Panoramic windows allow the impressive main bedroom to melt into the stunning views beyond; an abundant walk-in robe area and large ensuite provide a modern yet harmonious upgrade to luxurious living. 

The lower ground level reveals a large teenager’s retreat with kitchenette, wine cellar and guest bedroom suite. 

The original home lacked an external entertaining space. To this end, one side of the home was opened up to build an entertaining terrace with full barbeque, dining and seating to overlook the new pool and gorgeous harbour views.  

The entertainment area leads onto a new pool built one level above an existing ground floor pool. It enhances the functionality and enjoyment of spaces, resolving the previous discord between levels. The old pool has been cleverly repurposed as rainwater and stormwater detention tanks, sustainably avoiding large volumes of plastic.  

An additional entertaining space with a roof terrace sits atop the redesigned double garage, and  captures the spectacular backdrop of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

A double-sided fireplace in the heart of the ground level creates a graceful connection between the living and TV rooms. A lift serves all three levels in addition to stair access, a welcome, life-enhancing convenience for our client as a busy family and avid entertainers.