Tony and Tracey had lived happily at number 19 in their street for almost nine years, but they’d always secretly admired the place across the road at number 20. So much so, in fact, that whenever friends or family came to visit the couple took them for a walk down there just to show them the gardens. “When the house came up for sale, we were in the process of renovating ours so we didn’t give it too much thought,” Tracey says. “Then when it had been on the market for some time, Tony went to look at it, and was immediately bowled over by the peace and tranquillity of it all.” So, after much thought and consideration, Tony and Tracey packed up their children, Joel and Charlotte, and Dixie the dog, and moved house – all the way across the road.
SETTING THE SCENE
As the garden was the first thing that attracted the family to number 20, they’ve kept it looking the part. At 4000 square metres, it’s a perfect size to accommodate the stunning formal arrangement of mature plants and trees including Japanese maples, gardenias, camellias, azaleas, jasmine and wisteria, all outlined by buxus hedges. Their gardener, Justin Epps of Just In Garden, has lovingly tended it for the last 15 years, and much to his delight, and the family’s, it was open to the public a number of times for Knox Garden Day. At first glance, the formal landscape gives the house a stately look, but it’s actually quite warm and inviting, even before you step inside.
In addition to the stunning surroundings, the interior is just as striking and well-loved by the family. Th ree of the four bedrooms are upstairs, so most of the ‘living’ happens downstairs with the kitchen, breakfast room, study, billiard room, sitting room, TV room, formal lounge and dining rooms, and even a music room, giving them all plenty of space to spread out – or hang out. Since moving in 18 months ago, the couple kept the interior much the same and some pieces came from the previous owners. They had impeccable taste and decorated the place in a way that Tony and Tracey were happy to live with, and the seamless fusion of French-provincial and country-cottage styles tinged with a hint of glamour was also a perfect match with the furniture from their previous home.
COSY FRENCH STYLE
The entrance hall is impressive, to say the least, with magnificent crystal chandeliers, matching wall sconces, a grandfather clock and a floor-to-ceiling gilded mirror – all an indication of the original owners’ decorating fl air, while exposed beams in the living area give it a ranch-style feel that enhances its cosiness. Also, the antique marble fireplace that came from France is great for winter, and surrounded by lounges with cushions in Tiziano silk – perfect for relaxing for a spell in front of it.
Tracey’s favourite room is the kitchen, and that’s where they all spend most of their time as a family. “It has a northerly aspect, so it’s sunny and full of light all year round,” she says. “The pool is also right outside and I can keep an eye on the kids from here too.” The kitchen’s design is open and spacious, made in local wood and with an island bench that’s easy for everyone to gather around – with plenty of storage as well. With two young children, Tony and Tracey don’t entertain regularly, but family parties and barbecues are a hit, particularly when there’s a ‘friendly’ game of pool going on.
FIT FOR A MOVIE QUEEN
You could just imagine Marilyn Monroe lying down to rest in the master bedroom. Th e decadent chandelier, wallpaper in soft stripes and plush upholstered bedhead make it a boudoir that’s peaceful yet the height of ‘glamour’. A comfy sofa looks out over the garden and courtyard through an elegant bay window framed by layers of carefully draped curtains. The other bedrooms are just as attractive but in a more casual way, with pristine white linen making them fresh and bright, and accents in dark wood and chocolate-coloured accessories evoke images of quiet French cottages. Th e bathrooms, however, can only be described as indulgent – and Tony and Tracey definitely aren't complaining. “They were all designed by the previous owners,” Tracey says, “and apparently, the inspiration came from frequent stays at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Double Bay.” With marble imported from Italy, gilded mirrors, underfloor heating and warm, fluffy towels on heated rails, it’s no wonder this family has never looked back.
Story by Marissa Saroca
Photography by Tony Potter
Styling by Jo Forrest