North Bondi apartment styled by Darren Palmer hits market

This apartment, 3/2 Hastings Parade, North Bondi, hits the sweet spot for seaside living in Sydney. It’s far enough away from the water’s edge that you don’t need to be constantly wiping salt spray off your windows and monitoring your fittings for rust, and it’s in a lovely residential zone that feels like tranquil suburbia.

A two-minute scuff in a pair of thongs, however, delivers you to all the sand, surf, social action and shoreline bodybuilders you could possibly desire.

This is, after all, North Bondi, replete with bars, cafes, shops, markets, masseuses, yoga classes, bakeries, gym junkies and more. It would be a sensational place to call home.

The beautifully maintained block – still boasting its curved, 1920s staircase balustrade – is home to just four units and apartment No.3 is on the top level. It underwent a top-to-toe interior redesign about three years ago – under the guidance of Domain columnist and former The Block judge Darren Palmer – and the vendor is a stylist.

This adds up to an apartment that has contemporary style to burn, but is also warm and homey.

Each space has a different style and vibe, from the Bohemian dining nook with its giant woven light shade to the second bedroom with timber panelling that resembled a Hamptons beach shack; from the understated mid-century modernism of the living area to the Manhattan studio feel of the main bedroom. It’s all good looking.

The fittings and finishes are high end, including sleek Parisi tapware, travertine bathroom tiles and oak floorboards. The contrasting white and timber kitchen cabinetry is fresh and striking, and the mirrored splashback, highlighted with LED downlights, adds ambience. Integrated appliances keep the space neat and functional.

While most of the apartment’s art deco heritage has been overwritten, a portion of the original plaster ceiling, with decorative cornices, remains in the living room as a charming nod to the building’s history and stamina.

The apartment faces north-south, so it gets plenty of light. There is also a small but appealing outdoor area on its north side at the top of the back stairs, a lovely spot for some pot plants and a comfy chair or two.

The North Bondi apartment will be auctioned on April 1 with Ray White Woollahra’s Michael Aubusson. See more at Domain.

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