It’s the splendid paradox of the mid 20th-century modernist design that never fails to fascinate. Just how is it that you can make a linear, rectangular, flat-roofed, and rock-solid brick home appear positively diaphanous?
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That long brick fence is a striking introduction; beyond it, though, the sunken terrace garden set against those characterful handmade pale grey bricks reveals a private character. A hefty, handsome ribbed timber door pivots open, drawing you into the diffuse, dreamy light as it filters in via the rear northern orientation. The double-height here adds drama and depth.
15 Lucas Street, Brighton East VIC 3187
The central hallway is airy, broad, with an intersecting secondary passage banking west. Along here, the first example of the proportional poise, the formal living room sits tucked away, but its glassy south face opens onto that fine front garden, providing quiet connection.
Further along, a wellness area is the ultimate new-millennium must-have with a gym space, ice bath and sauna.
Another passage mid-hall banks right and passes a small but splendid cellar, a blushing little beauty under its rosy marble finishes.
Opposite, a powder room introduces the brickwork’s more honed cousin – the hand-made tiling that features throughout the home; faint buttery little squares of perfection.
A large laundry and internal access to the three-car garage completes this mini-wing.
Back off the central hall, head west again and into the excellent home office. The brickwork is back in here; its thematic use across the home is expertly applied – it’s imposing and anchoring and dynamic, but it’s also coherent and elegant, producing an appealing evenness that unifies the spaces.
Out in the rear north-facing open-plan zone, things are positively radiant. That magic gossamer atmosphere finds its best, most beautiful expression here. Light, air and garden views coalesce, creating a glorious soft synergy.
Again, those splendid handcrafted, slim-line bricks do the design heavy lifting in more ways than one. As a soberly handsome anchor across the southern and western walls, the stone holds the space while the glass rear north wall opens up entirely onto the right-angled terrace, doubling the liveable area. In the living area, a low marble hearth and gas log fire set into the brick make a striking triumvirate.
At the eastern end, the clear, sophisticated kitchen with its sublime glass splashback, like a green screen set amidst refined timber veneer cabinetry, is all pared-back polish.
Theta mahal marble kitchen bench is the stunning focal point, while stainless steel work surfaces, butler’s pantry and separate bar space complete an urbane zone.
Out on that brilliant rear terrace, famed American photographer Slim Aarons might have easily caught any number of his iconic lifestyle images – the pool, lawn and travertine-paved pavilion are picture-perfect.
The dominant material palette continues out here as the brickwork this time pushes back out to create a built-in fireplace, barbecue and sitting area.
A framing garden sets the fabulous patterned-tile pool and spa into sparkling, sapphire relief.
Inside again, and at that mid-house volume, a timber tread stair looks a superb sculptural counterpoint to the statuesque stone wall that reaches up beside it.
The bedroom zone upstairs retains that elegant balance, with two very fine bedrooms to the northerly rear with pool and garden views, study space and exceptional en suites.
A large rumpus room is tucked in to the side of the stairs, and a guest’s bedroom at the front of the house is serviced by another brilliant bathroom.
The main suite sits across to the south-east corner and is a sumptuous space; its full-length Juliet balcony is sublime – romantic, clever, instantly appealing. A splendidly fitted walk-through wardrobe precedes the opulent en suite. In here, an ocean-blue travertine vanity is exquisite, as is the bath set under the circular skylight. A curved wall, brushed nickel tapware and those outstanding tiles create a standout room.
This is a home of quiet calm and clever craft. Deeply attractive, utterly composed, luxurious but straightforward too; the way timeless design always is.
“A one-of-a-kind home that hasn’t been seen in Brighton before,” says Marshall White agent Campbell Butterss. “It has the rare combination of land, perfect northerly aspect and is a state-of-the-art modern family home.”
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