An Homage To Nature Above Sydney’s Castle Cove

castle cove sydney modern home
The sculptural modern home in Sydney's Castle Cove suburb gets its dramatic look from its trapezoidal walls of concrete and cantilevered rooflines. (Private Property Global)

This sculptural home in the Sydney suburb of Castle Cove evokes a winged creature nestled into the hillside above the bay.

The distinctive shape comes from the structure’s cantilevered rooflines, which slope gently down from the edges, and its trapezoidal concrete walls. Merged with steel, glass and wood, the home feels firmly grounded in the landscape.

exterior of pascale gomes-mcnabb designed sculptural home 25 neerim castle cove sydney aus

The modern masterpiece on Neerim Road sits among designer-done gardens on a lot adjoining a nature reserve. (Private Property Global)

Inspired by the work of American Modernist architect John Lautner, the house was a seven-year collaborative effort by the homeowners, Terroir Architects and interior designer Pascale Gomes-McNabb to create the feeling of living in nature. An adjoining land reserve and thoughtfully plotted gardens heighten that sensation.

Sharp angles, irregular ceilings and custom lighting bring an outside-the-norm vibe throughout the living spaces. Wood is used on the walls, ceilings and built-ins to soften the expanses of concrete. Unexpected columns of light pour into the interiors from strategically placed skylights.

aerial view of sculptural modern estate 25 Neerim Road Castle Cove, Sydney, Australia

The works of modernist architect John Lautner inspired the Neerim Road estate, which combines concrete, steel, glass and wood materials. (Private Property Global)

The main level, which has stair and elevator access, includes the living room, a dining room and a soundproofed home theater/music room. A concrete hearth on the family room fireplace is composed of a mix of triangular shapes.

Walls of glass slide away to connect to a broad balcony that creates additional lounging and dining space.

kitchen and dining room inside modern home at 25 Neerim Castle Cove, Sydney, Australia

Light wood paneling is used in the interiors to soften broad expanses of concrete. (Private Property Global)

The commercial-quality kitchen centers on an asymmetrical island. One end looks almost traditional with its waterfall countertop; the other is a cutout of concrete that juts toward a wall of glass. Marble and stainless steel finishes, top-of-the-line appliances and a wood-lined butler’s pantry augment the kitchen.

The primary bedroom is set at one end of the house for privacy. This wing includes a Japanese-inspired indoor/outdoor bathroom and a home office.

kitchen and patio 25 Neerim Road Castle Cove, Sydney, Australia

Walls of glass slide away to connect to a broad balcony with space for outdoor dining. (Private Property Global)

The bedroom suites feature handcrafted cabinetry and built-in desks for a total of five bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms.

On the lower/entry level is a separate guest suite. Concrete walls paired with mirrors continue in the home gym. In the tasting room, one entire wall is devoted to wine storage. A carport sits by the foyer.

bedroom inside modern home 25 Neerim Road Castle Cove, Sydney, Australia

There are five bedrooms, each featuring handcrafted cabinetry and built-ins. (Private Property Global)

A resort-like heated ozone pool occupies a terraced part of the yard below the house. Angled shapes continue around the pool in concert with the home’s design.

A lighted tennis court, a studio/office, rainwater tanks and a separate four-car garage complete the grounds.

ozone swimming pool at 25 Neerim Road Castle Cove, Sydney, Australia

Decking surrounds the heated ozone swimming pool. Elsewhere on the grounds is a tennis court. (Private Property Global)

Ken Jacobs of Private Property Global is the listing agent for the Neerim Road estate, which is priced at $11.7 million (AUD 15 million).

Author

During four decades of covering luxury and celebrity housing, I’ve looked into people’s homes, lives and property records through many lenses. I was the Los Angeles Times Real Estate section editor for eight years, the Hot Property columnist for six and did stints as a newspaper reporter, copy editor and page designer. My work for The Times Business, Home and Real Estate sections has garnered in-house and national awards for blogging, editing and feature writing.

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