Renovation retains integrity of modernist 1950s home in Mosman

The previous owners of Jacquie Mockridge and Eric Selwood’s modernist 1950s home had been careful to preserve its most spectacular original features: a sandstone feature wall and floating timber staircase.

“For that we were so grateful,” Jacquie said.

“It would have been an extremely contemporary house for that period and we were glad to still have those original features.”

The property is on the Balmoral slopes in a quiet Mosman street and the couple, both retired, spent seven years living in it before deciding to make additions to the floor plan.

“When it came to us doing a major renovation of the house in 2015 we were so conscious not to destroy the original integrity,” Jacquie said.

“We wanted to create something organic, something beautiful … and something that functions well as a home.”

They were successful in more ways than one. Not only did they increase the footprint of the home and beautifully incorporate contemporary finishes into the scheme, they’ve capitalised on the incredible views of Balmoral Beach.

Now, the house has water views from every bedroom and every deck; the top-floor terrace offers harbour views as far as Manly.

“We get the sun in the morning but we can use the decks all day because they’re north-facing, whether it’s out from the kitchen or out from the lounge and dining,” Jacquie said.

The Mosman property features stunning ocean views. 
Photo: Supplied

“I think what we love most is the way the whole living area opens up to the outside … there’s always somewhere beautiful to sit and relax.”

Part of what makes the property so relaxing is its carefully considered floor plan, which strikes a wonderful balance of luxury and practicality.

The living spaces are light-filled and open, with the polished concrete surfaces warmed by the original cedar.

High vaulted ceilings ensure the property catches the prevailing breezes and large expanses of glass provide the perfect frame for the leafy surrounds.

All three bedrooms have built-in wardrobes, while the bathroom, powder room and en suite are finished in limestone. Custom joinery throughout the home ensures plenty of storage.

Other notable features include a library, study, video intercom, gated security entry and a large automated garage with a workshop.

The sandstone feature wall was an original feature of 
19 Balmoral Avenue Mosman. Photo: Supplied

The kitchen is especially luxurious and is Jacquie’s favourite space in the house. With Miele appliances, soft-close cabinetry and a separate scullery, it’s utilitarian yet gorgeous to look at.

“Everyone who comes to the house comments on it,” she said. “The storage space is incredible and the fact you can hide everything in the scullery makes it perfect for entertaining.”

Jacquie also says the house is ideally placed in the area. “We can walk a few minutes and be at Balmoral Beach or a few minutes the other way and be at the shops and restaurants. You can get around from here without a car, which is unusual in Mosman.”

Jacquie, who hails from New Zealand, has spent more than 20 years living in Europe and Australia but with her mother now in her 70s, Jacquie is finally ready to return to NZ.

“Eric is Australian but he’s the one who’s been at me to move to New Zealand for a while,” she laughed.

“I’ve been reluctant to leave – I love where I live – but it’s time for me to return home to be with my mother.”

Jacquie Mockridge and her husband Eric Selwood outside their 1950s modernist home, 19 Balmoral Avenue Mosman. Photo: Louise Kennerley

Jacquie and Eric’s property is located at 19 Balmoral Avenue, Mosman. It is expected to sell for between $5 million and $5.5 million through Michael Coombs and Tim Moltzen of Mcgrath Mosman.

See more at domain.com.au/2013123661

You may also like …

Harbour views and stylish design compliment each other at 
37 Illuka Road, Mosman. Photo: Supplied

37 Iluka Road, Mosman is renowned as Mosman’s executive waterfront enclave; this architect-designed masterpiece does its position justice and then some.

At the heart of its success is the oversized custom windows, which lead agent Marize Bellamo of Simeon Manners says magnify the views.

“The way they’ve used glass to get views from all three levels of the house is extraordinary … this is Sydney living like no other,” she says.

Sydney Harbour foreshore walking track is on the doorstep, while the 180-degree views over Sydney Harbour to the eastern suburbs and beyond takes in the passing parade of cruise liners, ferries and leisure crafts.

The house is light-filled, spacious and artfully designed for entertaining on a grand or intimate scale and features a harbour-side terrace, north-facing pool and spa and deck with harbour views.

Views like those at 77 Bulkara Road are hard to find, says agent Gavin Rubinstein. Photo: Supplied

Another stunning waterfront property sits at 77 Bulkara Road, Bellevue Hill. While properties with a view are not unusual in Bellevue Hill, what makes this commanding residence unique is the fact it caters so beautifully for families, says agent Gavin Rubinstein of Ray White Double Bay.

“To get a family home that also has incredible views is very special,” he says. “Properties like this just do not come up in Bellevue Hill.”

Beautifully laid out and meticulously appointed, the home is priced around $11 million and features world-class finishes with luxuries such as an internal lift, marble bathrooms and a kitchen with a cool room.

Open-plan living spaces with high ceilings open out to balconies on each level, taking in the views, as well as the level lawn and swimming pool.