Relaxed Retreat

On visiting this steeply sloping site at Sydney’s northern beaches, we could immediately see the potential! The journey through the garden up to the modernist house was somewhat challenging and needed transformation at every barefoot step. Sublime sandstone work now gives soft structure, large boulders retain an intimate gravel gathering space, and an enlarged deck up top expands the living space exponentially. For the planting, we took inspiration from a myriad of places we love, from local rainforests, to YSL’s dreamy Marrakech garden, with a soft planting scheme of palms, ferns, native grasses, and striking succulents. The result is a relaxed and dreamy retreat that is a joy to be in and walk through. And doesn’t take itself too seriously. Great gardens are about simplicity.