Bellevue Hill House
Studio Williams continues the evolution of Bellevue Hill House with new, brighter spaces.
Studio Williams first worked on Bellevue Hill House a decade ago, when the home was charming but unconventional. Its idiosyncrasies had developed through multiple renovations, likely beginning in the 1940s, and it was the studio’s earlier work that helped reveal some of its most-loved features. For this next iteration, the design brief took cues from the house’s dentil cornices, coffered ceilings, dado rails and lobby panelling, adding another layer of detail to further enhance its charm. The project also expanded rooms and openings to draw in more natural light. The latest additions sit in harmony with the existing structure while shifting focus towards wellness and entertaining.
To reach the new entrance, residents descend a sweeping staircase from street level into a private courtyard, where a portico frames the threshold. Inside, the central lobby and staircase separate the formal rooms from the informal areas. A new wing on the ground floor houses a suite of wellness amenities, including a gym, sauna and golf simulator. The first floor accommodates the main bedrooms, with additional sleeping quarters on the level above, while the basement contains a generous laundry and rumpus room, along with dedicated storage. Adjoining the rumpus room, a sunken courtyard connects to the garden via a staircase, drawing light and air into the subterranean spaces.
Throughout the residence, white walls are warmed by natural textures such as oak, marble and limestone. Underfoot, black-stained herringbone oak floors have been sanded back for a softer, aged effect. Complementary details vary between the formal and informal spaces: the former feature coffered ceilings, while the latter are defined by V-groove ceilings and simple cornicing. In the formal dining room, natural light enhances the vibrancy of the clients’ Dale Frank paintings. Their colours are echoed and balanced elsewhere by a green rug and blue lacquered cabinet in the living room. By contrast, the casual living areas showcase a more subdued palette, complementing the hues of an Emily Ferretti painting. The furniture combines contemporary and modern-classic pieces chosen for everyday functionality.
Though not a heritage home, Bellevue Hill House carries a strong sense of history. Building on the layers of detail it first introduced a decade ago, Studio Williams continues to shape it as a storied family dwelling.
