Smooth Landing

Taking its design cues from palm springs, this family’s coastal home in Sydney has been given a glorious new life

- Jackie Brygel

PAVING THE WAY Homeowners Danica and Mark took their time getting to know their home on Sydney’s beautiful northern beaches before embarking on a renovation, living in the abode for nearly a decade with their three sons, Angus, Toby, and Ed before going ahead. Yet the couple knew exactly what style their transformed home would take. “I always had my heart set on a home with a nod to Palm Springs style,” explains Danica, enjoying the home’s many sunny spots (above & opposite, with Lulu). With its distinctively modernist facade, liberal use of crazy paving-style stone, beautiful breezeway blocks (opposite), and a treasure trove of restored mid-century pieces inside, the home pays loving homage to the iconic design era.

They met and fell in love at flying college almost 25 years ago, and have since transported travellers to all corners of the globe, but to commercial pilots Danica and Mark, the thrill of landing a plane in their hometown of Sydney is a joy that never wanes. For this is the city in which the parents of three have created a sunny sanctuary for their growing family – a stylish yet relaxed haven that provides an idyllic base from which to revel in the beachy outdoors. “It’s always been amazing to fly in past the Harbour Bridge and Opera House and know you’re home,” says Mark. Adds Danica: “And we feel especially fortunate to be here, now that we’re grounded by the pandemic.”