When Tanya and Nick Langton came across a basic 1950s weekender for sale on Sydney's Northern Beaches in the early 2000s they could see it had the potential for them "to make it their own". With one bedroom, one bathroom, a small living space and a laundry down a set of concrete steps leading from the kitchen at the back of the house, "it was really just an old beach shack!" They resigned themselves to a lengthy renovation, however, when they engaged an architect his advice was to knock down the house and start again.
So the house was rented out while plans were formulated and approved, and then a new two-storey house was built. That was then. Fast forward to now and the house that seemed so perfect in 2005 was no longer viable for their family with three teenage sons. "It needed a complete refresh and we wanted to add a swimming pool and outdoor entertaining area," says Tanya.
Designing a home to suit teenagers requires a very different approach from designing one for younger children. While some homeowners are fortunate to have flexible spaces that can adapt as family needs change, for others it is simply easier to bite the bullet and start afresh, and this was certainly the case for Tanya and Nick.
The family members are all avid sports fans and they love to entertain so they wanted their house to reflect their needs now and into the future.
In addition to four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a study, entertainers' kitchen and wine cellar, on the wish list was a cinema room, a covered deck with barbecue, TV and fireplace for year-round use, as well as a pool and spa.
This story is from the January 2024 edition of Australian House & Garden Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 2024 edition of Australian House & Garden Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
URBAN SANCTUARY
Industrial features-and contemporary interior design coalesce in this built-froma ch city warehouse tucked away in the back streets of inner Melbourne.
WORLD of roses
These symbols of peace, joy and love are said to be more than 35 million years old.
Time TRAVELLER
A Sydney family gives their heritage home the garden it deserves, with help from a dream team of experts.
FREE range
A contemporary farmhouse, built for multigenerational living, strikes the perfect balance between cohesive design and personalised spaces.
HOME comforts
Shop these three elegant looks, from earthy and natural to pared-back monochromatic and coastal chic.
Calming canopy
INVITING THE OUTSIDE IN HAS TURNED THIS EXPANSIVE ENSUITE INTO A BLISSFUL RETREAT.
COASTAL character
A clever layout redesign and natural palette transform a dark house into a breezy family home with ocean views and plenty of natural light.
Entertaining
VIBRANT DISHES THAT ARE PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING.
LUCKY MOVE
The Block's Marty Fox has flipped 14 houses in his time, but this Victorian mansion in Melbourne holds a special place in his heart.
A CERTAIN CHARM
A young couple enlists the expertise of a savvy team to refresh and expand their original 1930s Brisbane worker's cottage into a light-filled family home.