St Marys Bay: Symmetrical style

To one side of the property, the pool design mirrors the pavilion feel of the home, while landscaped grounds soften the symmetrical theme.

Straight lines, peaceful natural hues and big spaces give this splendid residence an edgy sophistication.

'Achieving an almost floating existence, the long home is flawlessly given a capacious mood through soaring ceilings and wide hallways.'

The changing facade of St Marys Bay has been slow but determined. Grand old residences have either been tastefully restored and modernised or replaced with contemporary homes that meld with the surroundings.

Straddling a generous section fronting Melford and Vine Sts, this new streamlined home with a pared back sophistication epitomises what can be achieved with skilful design and a generous floor plan.

With the main entrance on Melford St, the home is privatised from the road by an oversized double garage complete with a roomy storage area beneath. Security gates lead down steps to the front door.

Overcoming what could have been a fairly steep section, the two-level pavilion-style home has been cut into the bank, with the front door opening to the upper level. Achieving an almost floating existence, the long home is flawlessly given a capacious mood through soaring ceilings and wide hallways.

The natural materials and hues throughout enhance the clean-lined appearance and cohesion. Stone tiles warmed by underfloor heating give way to blonded New Zealand ash in the living area and texture is accomplished in the bedrooms by a sisal-wool blend carpet. Peaceful creams, lattes and metallic greys combine on the walls, doors and ceilings, offering the perfect backdrop to a multitude of furnishings.

In the upstairs living area, a built-in display cabinet houses the gas fireplace. Along one wall, it allows for furniture to be placed to take advantage of the large terrace, which features a natural gas barbecue. Opening through large, sliding doors to connect the indoor and outdoor living areas, the lounge and terrace enjoy exceptional views of the Harbour Bridge and sea, which are seamless through glass balustrades. A fabulous extension to the living area, the terrace is also connected to the garden and lower outdoor living space by a discreetly placed stairway down one side.

Servicing the public domain, a modish kitchen - complete with Fisher & Paykel appliances - is awash with stainless benchtops and soft-closing cabinetry highlighted with wood panels and frosted glass.

Floor-to-ceiling joinery features throughout the house and successfully connects the outdoors to the interior. Prominent in the bedrooms, it allows views of the pool and beyond to be enjoyed from all vantages.

With most of the bedrooms downstairs (except a master or guest suite with walk-in wardrobe and en suite), they are complemented with a lower-level living area. Featuring a kitchenette, the room opens to a covered terraced area and the 15m gas-heated lap pool.

Along one side of the property, the pool design mirrors the pavilion feel of the home. Further enhancing the strong rectangular theme of the property, the symmetrical lines have been softened by grounds landscaped by Richard Barber. Sculpted to perfection, the succulent plantings are permanently kept lush by an automatic irrigation system for both the gardens and lawns.

In an enviable location, this home offers exemplary living only a stone's throw from the heart of the city.

ADDRESS: 7 Melford St, St Marys Bay.

FEATURES: New four-bedroom contemporary home with views to the harbour bridge; double road frontage; three bathrooms (two en suites); guest powder room; two living areas (one on each level); kitchen with F&P Iridium appliances; underfloor heating to tiled areas; 15m gas-heated lap pool; landscaped gardens with auto irrigation system; intercom security system; alarm system; stainless-steel spouting and downpipes; two-car garage with large storage room underneath; two off-street car parks.

SIZE: Land area 559sq m; floor area 340sq m.

PRICE: $2,550,000.

AGENTS: Daniel Burrill and Wayne Bulog, Unlimited Potential, Herne Bay. Ph 361 6658 bus; Daniel 021 755 793 mob; Wayne 0274 723 557 mob.