A stunning beachfront home that captures the magic of the ultimate Australian lifestyle has been announced as the winner of I Own Australia’s Best Home.
The Surf’s Up Stone House in Bilgola, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, wins the prestigious title along with $30,000 for charity.
The family home is the ultimate beach haven boasting stunning oceanfront views, a glass pool and even a basement nightclub. With its soaring proportions, immaculate style and a seamless connection to its beach surrounds, it won the favour of both viewers and judges.
Online shopping entrepreneurs Lorica and Andrew Clarke bought the original 70’s stone and timber cottage 20 years ago. Fourteen years and three children later, the house underwent a sympathetic two-year transformation, retaining the character and style of the original building whilst amplifying it to accommodate their growing family and build for the future.
Our Experts interior designers Gillian Khaw and Tim Leveson, and architect Nick Tobias were joined by guest judges, interiors expert Neale Whitaker, designer Collette Dinnigan and real estate guru Andrew Winter to discuss and deliberate which of the amazing properties, voted by the Australian public, should be deemed the best home.
“We are ecstatic!” says Lorica who attended the Sydney event with her architect. “For our home to be so warmly received by the judges and the viewers is wonderful. Our architect Nanna Lesiuk did a masterful job, giving our home its beauty and aesthetic, and it gives me great joy to see this work be recognised.
“The charity that we have chosen to donate the $30,000 prize money is The Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick as this charity holds a special place in our hearts.”
It was a win too for interior designer Tim Leveson who visited the property, spending a night with the family enjoying their hospitality, a refreshing swim and a quick dance in the club.
“Lorica and Andrew’s Surf’s Up Stone House is the quintessential Australian dream home, with the essence of the property being about fun and family,” says Tim. “This series has always been about what makes a great home to live in – and there’s bucketloads of fun and liveability here, from the disco floor to the ocean view pool and the delicate way it balances family life with areas for privacy.”
