Real Estate

This sculptural home in the Sydney suburb of Castle Cove evokes a winged creature nestled into the hillside above the bay.

The distinctive shape comes from the structure’s cantilevered rooflines, which slope gently down from the edges, and its trapezoidal concrete walls. Merged with steel, glass and wood, the home feels firmly grounded in the landscape.

Inspired by the work of American Modernist architect John Lautner, the house was a seven-year collaborative effort by the homeowners, Terroir Architects and interior designer Pascale Gomes-McNabb to create the feeling of living in nature. An adjoining land reserve and thoughtfully plotted gardens heighten that sensation.

Sharp angles, irregular ceilings and custom lighting bring an outside-the-norm vibe throughout the living spaces. Wood is used on the walls, ceilings and built-ins to soften the expanses of concrete. Unexpected columns of light pour into the interiors from strategically placed skylights.

The main level, which has stair and elevator access, includes the living room, a dining room and a soundproofed home theater/music room. A concrete hearth on the family room fireplace is composed of a mix of triangular shapes.

Walls of glass slide away to connect to a broad balcony that creates additional lounging and dining space.

The commercial-quality kitchen centers on an asymmetrical island. One end looks almost traditional with its waterfall countertop; the other is a cutout of concrete that juts toward a wall of glass. Marble and stainless steel finishes, top-of-the-line appliances and a wood-lined butler’s pantry augment the kitchen.

The primary bedroom is set at one end of the house for privacy. This wing includes a Japanese-inspired indoor/outdoor bathroom and a home office.

The bedroom suites feature handcrafted cabinetry and built-in desks for a total of five bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms.

On the lower/entry level is a separate guest suite. Concrete walls paired with mirrors continue in the home gym. In the tasting room, one entire wall is devoted to wine storage. A carport sits by the foyer.

A resort-like heated ozone pool occupies a terraced part of the yard below the house. Angled shapes continue around the pool in concert with the home’s design.

A lighted tennis court, a studio/office, rainwater tanks and a separate four-car garage complete the grounds.

Ken Jacobs of Private Property Global is the listing agent for the Neerim Road estate, which is priced at $11.7 million (AUD 15 million).


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