Playfulness and elegance a glorious mix in Vaucluse

Architect Mitch Lichtman​ clearly knows a thing or two about making a good first impression.

As soon as you step through the pedestrian gate at this contemporary home, the sound of bubbling water and the playfulness of large stepping stones set within a zen garden lure you in. The oversized glass front door swivels open to reveal a double-height foyer with open-tread steel stairs framing a view through to the green treetops at the back of the property.

Plenty of thought has been given to zoning the house for comfortable family living with split levels used to define and separate the spaces.

On the upper deck of the foyer, turn left into the formal living rooms. There is a dining room with fresco feature wall, an office with built-in cabinetry and a large living room with built-in display cabinet, bar and four sets of double windows capturing views over Vaucluse Park and bay to the harbour and North Sydney skyline.

To the right are the family living spaces including a generous kitchen with Marblo​ benchtops. 

It comes with an integrated fridge and freezer, integrated Smeg appliances, a gas cooktop and a corner pantry.

These spaces open onto an enormous wrap-around terrace enjoying the best of the views. 

Facing north west, the terrace is remarkably private despite its elevation and provides the perfect spot to watch the seaplanes head off up the harbour.

Downstairs the elegant master bedroom boasts a peaceful outlook over the heated pool.

There is a dressing room and an en suite with twin vanity and spa bath, which also looks over the garden.

A second en suite bedroom sits in this wing and there are two large bedrooms in the northern wing, each with walk-in wardrobe. A family bathroom and a walk-in linen cupboard split the rooms.

A study zone with built-in desk leads down to the rumpus room, which has been fitted out as a home cinema with a movie projector and retractable screen.

The rumpus also provides access to the laundry and another bathroom. From here you can head out to the level lawn and access the pool.

Additional features include ducted airconditioning and shadowline ceilings throughout, a large wine cellar, a sauna and a three-car garage with internal access.

The owner says: “From the moment you step inside, the striking design and lush views to the harbour transport you to your own very private and beautiful world.”

Room for improvement: Update the surface of the north-facing terrace and add some planter boxes.

34 Hopetoun Avenue, Vaucluse
$5.75 – $6.25 million
4 bed, 4 bath, 3 car
Built 2001
​Land 995 square metres
Inspect Sat, noon-12.45pm
Agent McGrath, Edgecliff, 0418 608 168

Need to know:
Last traded for $4.35 million in 2001.
Highest recorded house price in Vaucluse (past 12 months) $70 million for 40 Wentworth Road in August, 2015
Median price for houses $3,495,000

Recent sales:
$5.8 million for 1 Burrabirra​ Avenue in May, 2015
$5,888,000 for 95 Hopetoun Avenue in February, 2015
$6.1 million for 67 Wentworth Road in September, 2015
Source: Domain Group

Surrounding area:
Vaucluse made real estate history this year with the record-breaking $70 million sale of James and Erica Packer’s Wentworth Road mansion, La Mer. Sold to Chinese-Australian billionaire Dr Chau Chak Wing, the sale was negotiated in August by two agents, Ken Jacobs of Christie’s International and Michael Pallier​ of Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty.
Serviced by bus or travel to Watsons Bay or Rose Bay to catch the ferry. It’s about eight kilometres to the CBD and five kilometres to Bondi Beach. Basic shopping needs can be met at the village shops but you’ll need to travel to neighbouring Rose Bay, Double Bay or Bondi Junction for greater choice.