Showcasing the languid lifestyle of those with a home by the water, Hunter Bay House has views, space and amenity – everything required for luxurious living.
Hampton Architecture has worked its magic on Hunter Bay House and the practice’s director, Adam Hampton, and his team architects and interior designers, have created a slice of paradise on the Sydney foreshore that sees this home ready for a brand new future.
The residence is situated above the natural rockpools of Bennett Beach and its position offers stunning water views towards the heads of Sydney Harbour. While the landscape is alluring, the renovation of Hunter Bay House provides so much more than sensational watery vistas. It is now a family home that has comfort and generous spaces in which to gather but it also offers quiet sanctuary away from the buzzing metropolis of Sydney.
Having had the good fortune to occupy its prestigious location for many years, the original house required renovation. At the centre of the home, access to natural light was challenging and a real and useful connection between the home and its gardens was limited.
Positioned on a steep sloping site, it was decided that the challenges could be addressed simply by bringing the garden inside the home. Removing part of the bulk of the building and inserting a pair of two-storey open landscaped courtyards has ensured that the core is now flooded with natural light and there is excellent airflow, while also allowing a private garden view to rooms across both levels.
A bridge on the upper level traverses the canopied courtyards, providing a unique experience of walking through the trees towards the water views that expand across the rear of the house.
A soaring pitched ceiling across the living spaces opens the rear of the home to the views and bathes the space in natural light. This area has been carefully designed to engage the lifestyle of the client with the home environment, which is a key feature of a Hampton Architecture home.
Taking inspiration from the water and surrounds, a soft colour palette of muted blues, greys and whites has been introduced to evoke a calming aesthetic. Pops of black in the kitchen bring contrast to the space and striking colours from custom art pieces provide texture and individuality. Materiality is authentic with oak timber flooring and natural Faustina stone used within the kitchen and living spaces.
Although Hunter Bay House sits softly in its landscape, there is connection between the living spaces, the views and the gardens and these are immediately apparent upon entering the home – it’s a standout entrance.
To one side of the central hallway, between the greenery of the front garden and the internal courtyard, is a home office and, to the other side, a concrete-floor garage with Electric Vehicle charging facilities.
Beyond the open living spaces of the home, this upper floor boasts a study, bathroom, kitchen, scullery, lounge, living and dining rooms and outdoor terrace.
On the level below is the main bedroom suite with walk-in robe and en suite with views across the swimming pool to the harbour. Two further bedrooms (one with en suite), main bathroom, laundry and a guest suite complete the home. There is also another extensive outdoor terrace and, positioned at the rear of the home, a pool that provides a magical swimming experience with those fabulous water views.
As with all projects by Hampton Architecture, it is the attention to every detail that makes the difference. This is not a home that shouts at you; it is a home to be lived in, a home that is calm, relaxed and so very sophisticated.
Joinery is singular and the expert craftsmanship can be seen throughout. Custom cabinetry in the public spaces, particularly in the lounge area around the fireplace is superior. Designed specifically for the area, this curved piece of timber joinery can glide behind the gas fireplace to reveal a hidden mounted television. When closed, a commissioned artwork by artist Timothy Johnston of TJ Studio House Gallery Mosman takes precedence with its striking depiction of the local Bennett Beach rockpools.
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The open tread staircase detail becomes a delineating feature as the vertical timber battens encircle the access between floors but also allows transparency for visual connection. Overhead is a skylight along with a timber battened ceiling detail and the staircase is flooded with natural light.
Small spaces are given every opportunity to shine in the home, as can be seen in in the scullery nook where walls have been clad with mirror to reflect the water views. It’s a small design inclusion but one that pays dividends for the residents.
What is evident in this project is the continuous design intention incorporating architecture, interior design and landscape. Hampton Architecture works closely with trusted collaborators to ensure that there is a smooth progression through the design, construction and finish of the home. Built by Sandlik Constructions and under the direction and guidance of foreman Tommy Novis, Hunter Bay House has been finished with a soft and considered landscape by Bates Landscape.
Hampton Architecture has conceived and created a wonderful residence for a family with Hunter Bay House. The contemporary architectural additions, coupled with a sensitive interior design and landscaping, ensures that this home has a new lease of life and will be a haven for those lucky enough to call it home, both now and in the future.
