SET IN STONE

A coastal heritage cottage in Sydney's north is reimagined for modern family life with a strong connection to nature.

- STORY Bethan Lacoba | STYLING Olga Lewis | PHOTOGRAPHY Prue Ruscoe

ENTRY This Northern Beaches home reflects a harmonious blend of coastal, heritage and cottage styles. Existing sandstone cladding. Front door painted Porter's Paints Blue Spruce. Trims painted Dulux Lexicon Quarter. Interior wall painted Porter's Paints Plaster of Paris. Wall and pendant lights, Dunlin. Furniture, The Merchants Warehouse. Paving and sandstone flooring, all Eco Outdoor. FACADE Opposite Shingles painted Porter's Paints Highlands.

LIVING A raked ceiling and sandstone walls were carefully restored, respecting the home's heritage. An earthy palette with leather and timber is reflected in the owners' existing furniture selection, including an Arthur G sofa and Vitra 'Noguchi' coffee table. Ceiling, doors and windows painted Dulux Lexicon Quarter. Artwork on mantel by Elizabeth Sullivan. Floor lamp, Bloomingdales Lighting.

Nestled in Sydney's Northern Beaches, this 1910s cottage is a masterclass in restored heritage charm. The owners, a professional couple with two young daughters, made the move from a steep block in nearby Whale Beach to this more level, greenery wrapped property in 2024.

While their former home boasted sweeping views, it was the connection between house and garden that drew them here. But despite the appeal, the house was dated and in need of attention.

Enter interior designer Alexandra Mason of Studio aem who the family brought on board to infuse the home with warmth and convenience. “The family is creative and the girls love their art and craft,” says Alexandra. “They needed a home that could allow self-expression without having to be too precious.”