When travel is off the cards and all anyone can do is dream of an overseas holiday, why not take that holiday at home? Lana, Erin and Bonnie of Three Birds Renovations carried this logic straight into this house in Annangrove, with plans to bring the ultimate ‘Australian staycation’ to the semi-rural suburb of outer Sydney. The beautiful palatial residence (constructed for their in-house designer, Louisa, and her family) is the trio’s thirteenth project.
‘Every part of the build is inspired by holiday destinations and design elements from around the world, all anchored by the stunning semi-rural location,’ says Bonnie. Though the eucalyptus trees that flank the 5.7 acre property provide a uniquely Australian outlook, the finished house is washed with white paint, timber floors and tropical louvred shutter doors, lending it a Spanish-Grecian vacation vibe.
With formal and private living settings, a kids’ wing, guest rooms, kitchen, lots of bathrooms and a pool house to contain, it was essential that all the inspiration Louisa had been collecting over years of travel could be reconciled under a cohesive interior scheme. The result is a single storey residence that feels like a resort-homestead hybrid.
‘Throughout the home you’ll see touches of modern, traditional elements, coastal influences all underpinned by the common theme of holidays, a tonal colour palette and the backdrop of the Australian bush (which can be glimpsed from almost every room in the house!)’ says Erin.
Different styles of fixtures and hardware from Reece were used in the bathrooms, kitchen, powder room and laundry, but to maintain continuity throughout the home, the same brass gold finish was selected throughout.
Highlights include the LAUFEN Val Freestanding Bath, which is placed in the middle of the main bedroom ensuite as the centrepiece, and the Alape Round Freestanding Washstand paired with the Sussex Scala Floor-Mounted Basin Mixer with a curved outlet in the boys’ bathroom. The ensuite bath is placed in the middle of the room just below a dramatic chandelier, making it the centrepiece of the space.
‘This is a family home so we needed durable, quality products which will stand the test of time and live up to busy family life,’ says Bonnie. ‘The brass gold finish on all the tapware adds a pop of hotel luxe to each room, to help bring our vision to life.’
The sandy, tonal colour palette and simple material selection provide a bright and breezy base layer to build on with furniture, art and objects. Timber and rattan accents amplify the coastal vibe, while metallic details lend a contemporary touch to the layered home.
‘Standing in the grand entry way you can see the raked ceilings, timber flooring, tiled exterior flooring, arched windows and detailed timber-work,’ says Lana, describing the glamorous, voluminous space. Yet, despite this home’s obvious wow-factor, at its heart, this is a space is designed to be practical, relaxed and family friendly. Mission accomplished!
Three Birds Renovations brought their Australian Staycation project to life with Reece – the home of bathroom and kitchen inspiration, innovation and design. From planning to product selection, Reece’s expert team helps customers across the country bring their bathroom to life. Book your free consultation here.
The formal lounge contains towering tall ceilings and is flooded with light via those dramatic arched windows. Photo – Three Birds Renovations.
Chunky, squashy furniture and sandy jute rug create a comfy, muted setting in the formal lounge. Photo – Three Birds Renovations.
The grand entryway makes a statement with its towering ceilings and that incredible folded pendant! Photo – Three Birds Renovations.
Looking out over the pool with these luxe views, you could be in a hotel in Morocco! Photo – Three Birds Renovations.
The butler’s pantry looks out over the garden. Posh Canterbury Gooseneck Sink Set in Brass Gold from Reece. Franke Impact Granite Double Bowl Kitchen Sink in White from Reece. Photo – Three Birds Renovations.
Sun-drenched and spacious, is this the perfect butler’s pantry? Franke Impact Granite Kitchen Sink in White from Reece. Posh Canterbury Gooseneck Sink Set in Brass Gold from Reece. Photo – Three Birds Renovations.
The Three Birds themselves! From left Bonnie, Erin and Lana stand in the kitchen, where the Sussex Scala Sink Pullout Mixer and Franke Impact Granite Double Bowl Kitchen Sink in White from Reece can be seen in the background. Photo – Three Birds Renovations.
The secondary living space contains pops of vibrant colour. Photo – Three Birds Renovations.
The open plan living, dining and cooking area. Photo – Three Birds Renovations.
The main bedroom suite is signified by the introduction of black elements in the main bedroom. Photo – Three Birds Renovations.
The main bedroom ensuite. Venice 700 Above Counter Basin. Posh Canterbury Wall Bath Set in Brass Gold. Laufen Val Freestanding Bath. Sussex Scala Floor Mounted Curved Bath Mixer in Brushed Gold. All products from Reece. Photo – Three Birds Renovations.
The shower in the main bedroom ensuite is set atop textured tonal tiles. Posh Canterbury Exposed Shower Set in Brass Gold from Reece. Photo – Three Birds Renovations.
The gorgeous coastal corner of the guest bedroom. Photo – Three Birds Renovations.
Louise’s study. Photo – Three Birds Renovations.
The guest bathroom. ISSY Halo II Custom Vanity Unit from Reece. Omvivo Villa Above Counter 430 Basin in White Haven from Reece. Photo – Three Birds Renovations.
The guest bathroom fitted with Posh Canterbury Gooseneck Shower Set in Brass Gold. ISSY Halo II Custom Vanity Unit from Reece and Omvivo Villa Above Counter 430 Basin in White Haven from Reece. Photo – Three Birds Renovations.
The laundry. Posh Canterbury Large Gooseneck Sink Mixer in Brass Gold from Reece. Franke Impact Granite Double Bowl Kitchen Sink in White from Reece. Photo – Three Birds Renovations.
The boys’ bedroom! Photo – Three Birds Renovations.
Pops of colour, art and a boldly painted ceiling introduce playful elements to this youthful wing of the home. Photo – Three Birds Renovations.
The boys’ bathroom is oceanic! Containing a ISSY Z1 Oval Mirror & Shaving Cabinet from Reece. Alape Freestanding Washstand in White from Reece. Sussex Scala Floor Mounted Curved Basin Mixer in Brushed Gold from Reece. Mizu Drift Overhead Shower in Brushed Gold from Reece. Milli Pure 500mm Vertical Shower Arm in Brushed Gold from Reece. Posh Canterbury Wall Top Assemblies in Brass Gold from Reece. Photo – Three Birds Renovations.
The rear patio has total resort suite vibes! Photo – Three Birds Renovations.
A view through the central void of the house with the living and dining wings on either side. Photo – Three Birds Renovations.
The pool house is a central feature of the house, acting as the main relaxation and entertainment zone. Photo – Three Birds Renovations.
Big windows attempt to do justice to the surrounding bushland. Photo – Three Birds Renovations.
The view of the pool house. Photo – Three Birds Renovations.
The outdoor shower is a picture of simple luxury. Milli Pure Column Shower Arm from Reece. Milli Pure Shower Head from Reece. Milli Pure Wall Top Assembly Taps from Reece. Photo – Three Birds Renovations.
The property drops down again past the pool, where a river skirts the perimeter of the property before it descends into bushland. Photo – Three Birds Renovations.
If this isn’t a staycation, I don’t know what is! Photo – Three Birds Renovations.
