Every day a holiday

Natural, earthy tones and a resort-inspired renovation have created an award-winning tranquil oasis in Vaucluse, writes Judy Barouch.

Take globetrotting clients whose favourite holiday destination is far north Queensland, team them with an architect whose background is hotel-resort architecture, add an elevated site with lush tropical foliage and you have the perfect elements for creating a fusion of city living and resort lifestyle.

Architect Bruce Stafford recounts that for the major renovation of this 1980s Vaucluse house - which won the Master Builders Australia excellence in housing award 2010 for its builders, Horizon Habitats - the owners Sandy and Ross King were inspired by the sense of wellbeing that beautifully designed resorts evoke.

The Kings requested an organic, natural palette: "lots of wood, slate and stone", Sandy King says. Stafford incorporated these building materials into his design, which centres on a spacious internal courtyard that is backed by a dramatic sandstone rock face.

Large glass doors slide open on two sides of the courtyard, merging both the formal and informal living areas with the outdoor deck and pool. The L-shaped main house is connected to the floating parents' pavilion, an eyrie perched high atop the imposing rock.

"It has a bird's-eye view across the courtyard to the living areas," Stafford says.

The interior designer, Lisa Stein, interpreted the tranquil theme with laid-back furniture and accessories. "The interiors had to be relaxed, with nothing too precious," she says. "No areas are off limits to the [three] children, so everything was chosen with durability in mind."

Sydney Morning Herald - Essential Style
​Story by Judy Barouch