Waterfront Wonder – Vaucluse House by Minosa

Tasked with sensitively reworking the interior of a home designed originally by renowned architect Peter Stutchbury, Minosa’s approach was guided by the spectacular views of Sydney Harbour and the clients’ lifestyle.

When the design team from Minosa was first introduced to the waterfront residence located in one of Sydney’s most exclusive suburbs, Vaucluse, it was obvious design had to respond to the unparalleled views of the Sydney Harbour skyline. According to the designers “when working with incredible views, there are two rules: first, don’t try to compete with it and second, use it.”

“When working with incredible views, there are two rules: first, don’t try to compete with it and second, use it.”

Initially designed by renowned architect Peter Stutchbury, the residence was built two years ago and left idle. For that reason, the design brief from the new owners (a couple and their two children) revolved around a subtle but suitable transformation of the existing house to fit their lifestyles and needs.

Noticing that there were several elements throughout the house that barricaded the view and natural light, Minosa set to make sense of the space through a functional design approach with careful consideration of creating spaces for entertainment. Utilising the large floor space, Minosa was able to connect various functional zones together to generate an open plan space that sweeps onto the expansive barbeque and outdoor entrainment area.

Visual consistency is achieved in the main entertainment areas by closing the existing void. The new cantilevered second floor now automatically frames the kitchen area, and the double ceiling height of ten metres is exaggerated. Spacious and full of natural light, the city views from the kitchen island bench are now uninterrupted. In a similar manner, the main master bedroom, known as the parents’ retreat, celebrates the views of the skyline while paying homage to the existing architecture.

Designed to feel “as though it had always been there”, the master suite oozes luxury. As an elegantly designed walk-in wardrobe, storage is utilised with space for a ‘shoedrobe’ and a glass fronted wardrobe to display designer clothes. The long central island that runs along the width of the bedroom to the bathroom houses convenient clothes and accessories. The bathroom within the master suite did not require a considerable amount of work since it was already extremely sophisticated. However, Minosa updated the tiles and fixtures to elevate the space and ensure that design and material palette remains consistent with the rest of the house.

Initially designed by renowned architect Peter Stutchbury, the residence was built two years ago and left idle.

A bespoke waterfront home with an impeccable design pedigree set against the backdrop of another design icon, the Sydney Harbour skyline, Vaucluse House is a testament to luxury.