This meticulously designed Hamptons haven in Killara was thoughtfully designed to enhance the original owner’s evolving lifestyle and changing needs. Blending timeless charm, a clever design and improved functionality, it’s a home built on vision, purpose and a partnership to last a lifetime.
In the leafy North Shore suburb of Killara, a tired, ageing residence has been replaced by a showstopping new build. This timeless Hamptons home blends modern functionality with traditional architectural elegance.
Crafted for a professional couple and their teenage sons, the home was designed to reflect their evolving lifestyle needs, offering space, privacy, flexibility, and beauty in equal measure.
A Challenging Site, a Creative Solution
The site itself presented several challenges. Fan-shaped and nearly triangular, it stretches from a narrow 4-metre frontage to a generous 43 metres at the rear. It also featured significant cross-fall, a central sewer main, and several mature trees that needed to be retained.
Rather than see this as a limitation, the design team embraced it. The solution? Strategically positioning the house far from the street to maximise the buildable footprint and preserve the natural features. The result is a grand yet understated façade with instant street appeal, nestled comfortably within its environment and true to the suburb’s traditional character.
Multi-Level Living, Single-Storey Feel
While the home spans three levels, its clever design makes it appear largely single storey from the street. The lower ground floor is tucked discreetly out of sight, housing a three-car garage, two storage rooms, and a motorised turntable to simplify vehicle access on the tight front boundary.
The first floor is integrated into the steeply pitched gabled roof, utilising dormer windows to bring in light and ventilation. This helps retain Hampton’s aesthetic while increasing functionality in the upper-level bedrooms and bathrooms.
Welcome Home: A Grand Yet Inviting Entrance
A decorative porch, flanked by twin verandas, provides a classic entry point into the home. To the right of the central hallway sits a formal study—ideal for the work-from-home lifestyle. On the left, a versatile music and guest room doubles as a peaceful retreat.
But it’s the rear of the home that truly shines.
Open-Plan Living Designed for Real Life
The informal living zones are all positioned at the north-facing rear of the home to maximise natural light and connection to the outdoors. A beautifully appointed kitchen, dining, and family living area wraps around a generous alfresco terrace, which enjoys uninterrupted views of the lush backyard and elevated swimming pool.
Feature garden walls provide a living backdrop to the interiors, showcasing the owners’ passion for greenery and giving the home a serene, resort-like feel.
Private Retreats for Growing Teens
Upstairs is all about privacy. With the teenage boys, each enjoys their own suite, complete with an ensuite, generous robe space, and study nooks. But the standout design feature? Hidden attic storage spaces tucked behind swinging bookcases—a whimsical, practical touch that reflects thoughtful planning and a sense of fun.
A shared front-facing deck gives them a private outlook across the landscaped front garden—a peaceful spot for reading, relaxing, or entertaining friends.
The parents’ master suite is equally impressive, offering a spacious bedroom adorned with a private balcony, walk-in wardrobe and a luxurious ensuite, all bathed in natural light.
Outdoor Living, Elevated
To create a level rear yard, the architects cleverly utilised the elevated pool structure as a retaining wall, allowing the family to enjoy an ample and functional lawn space. The pool and alfresco are seamlessly connected, encouraging effortless outdoor entertaining and day-to-day use.
Built to Last
This is a home that looks beautiful—but more importantly, it’s built with integrity. Premium finishes and expert craftsmanship showcase the collaboration of the client, interior designer, and builder to ensure durability and reduced long-term maintenance. It’s an investment not just in the structure but in lifestyle and future resale value.
The Final Word: A Family’s Delight
Ultimately, the success of a new home isn’t just about architecture or aesthetics—it’s about how it feels to live in. Shortly after the family moved in, the architect called to check in. The reply was instant and heartfelt:
“It’s just perfect, everything and more than we hoped. We’re cracking open a bottle of red wine on the alfresco, overlooking our new pool and backyard—we just love our new home!” Enough said!”
It’s moments like these that prove great design and construction partnerships go beyond drawings and bits of wood, Bricks and mortar, and create joy, comfort, and lasting memories for the occupant.
