Hollander House by architect David Hollander listed for $2.25m
- Owners: Pieter and Michelle Owen
- Address: 81 Grandview Drive, Newport, NSW
- Type of property: Hollander House, by architect David Hollander
- Price guide: $2.25 million
It takes a discerning eye to truly appreciate a home as distinctive as Hollander House. Conceived by the visionary architect David Hollander in the late 1960s, today, it stands as an icon of Australian organic architecture. Gracefully cascading over three levels, its curves and contours, constructed of hand-formed ferro-cement, are reminiscent of ebbing waves and embody a living work of art.
This sculptural abode has been home for Pieter and Michelle Owen since July 2015. While hunting for a mid-century home in 2014, they envisioned a modest modernist structure, possibly a flat-roofed number by Pettit+Sevitt or a Sydney school house on the upper north shore. But then Hollander House caught their eye.
Despite initial hesitations, driven by their accountant’s caution against leaving their secure Mosman home, the Owens couldn’t shake the spell of their encounter with this one-of-a-kind marvel. Nearly a year later, with the property still for sale, they took a leap of faith and made it their own, embarking on a love story that seemed predestined.
Hollander’s mesmerising elliptical walls, characterised by aesthetic intuition rather than strict geometric forms, offer a unique living experience, with multiple levels carefully displaced to allow long internal vistas.
“From the outside, the house can be perceived as being heavy, dark, and oppressive,” says Pieter, “however, when you walk through the copper-coated front door, it unfolds into an open, light, and comforting space, with an unconventional, yet incredibly precise floor plan.”
The Owens acknowledge the contributions of designer Nancy Renzi, the previous owner, in realising the home’s full potential. They, too, have left their mark, meticulously restoring and updating the house while maintaining its original spirit.
“Our focus was on detail work and repairs, ensuring clean architectural lines,” Pieter says. “We’ve also been thoughtful in our choice of furnishings, finding that Italian designs from around the year 2000 worked well, with Michelle even helping master furniture craftsman David Muston to build our bed.”
There are the immediate impressions that Hollander House gives to all who cross its path, and then there are the more subtle amazements that only those who live within its wondrous walls can fully grasp.
“During the day, there are ‘light folds’ and ‘sky domes,’ while at night, smart lighting casts a warm glow across the ceilings,” describes Pieter. “And then there are the five sliding glass doors that bring in so much light and nature, not to mention the water views and the sound of surf breaking on Newport Beach that lull you to sleep.”
Over their eight-year tenure, the couple has embraced the home’s remarkable character, particularly its intricately designed spaces that foster social interaction and intimate gatherings.
“The sunken lounge, or ‘conversation pit’ as it says on the original floor plan, is the heart of the house – after the kitchen, of course,” adds Pieter. “Visitors are definitely drawn to this area, and not just in winter when the fire is going.”
The fireplace is integrated into the architecture, raised on a plinth that sweeps around to become the base for the gently curving bench sofa. Its sculptural back greets you upon entering, and if a fire is going, Pieter hints that you can warm yourself by giving it a big hug.
“Christmases are always special with our kids opening presents by the Christmas tree in this area, with the double-height space allowing for an extra tall tree,” says Pieter. “One of our foster babies met his forever family for the first time here, and we have beautiful memories sitting in this space watching them get to know each other.”
Moreover, the home’s natural, easy progression between levels effortlessly flows with family life, crafting layered, independent spaces while keeping a feeling of connection.
“Despite the house spilling over three levels, kids watching television on the top level can still be seen by those on the other levels,” Pieter explains. “Parties and gatherings are always fun with different generations gravitating to the various decks and living spaces – again, separate but together.”
Though the Owens once considered Hollander House their forever home, life’s changing tides have led them to sell. Their desire to be closer to family, prepare for retirement, and find a more suitable home to continue their fostering journey has prompted this decision.
“Living here has been an absolute privilege,” says Pieter. “We’ve been the proud caretakers of this magnificent home, and we hope its next owners will cherish and preserve its incredible legacy just as we have.”
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