Beachcomber House, Arncliffe
Architect
Nino Sydney
Designed
1961
Built
c.1963
Location
Arncliffe, Sydney NSW 2205
Specification
3 bed, 2 bath, 3 car (carport)
Program
Lightweight upper (living) level on masonry (utility) base
Photography
© Alisha Gore
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Introduction
131A Forest Road offers a rare opportunity to purchase an iconic mid-century design close to the city. In fact, south of the Harbour, it is the closest Beachcomber to the CBD. The sleek lines of the ‘modernist box’, an ideal 3-bed floor plan, and elevated city views to Ku-ring-gai National Park make this house a true hidden gem in every sense.
“A rare opportunity to purchase an iconic mid-century modern design so close to the city.”
The Design
Hidden on a 714.5 sqm battleaxe block, this celebrated design sits on steel posts over a level area once a tennis court. Accessed down a shared driveway from Forest Rd, or a handy side gate leading to the steps down to Station St, its position ensures almost complete privacy and no street noise from Forest Rd.
Its design maximizes its NE aspect, enjoying an abundance of natural light from the large swathes of glazing. The orientation allows for solar gain in the cooler months, and the wide eaves protect from the sun in the summer months. Along with the cooling NE breezes in summer and good cross ventilation, this house feels easy-breezy any time of year.
Upon entering the house, it simply makes you smile. The feeling is immediately welcoming and reminds one why its architect, Nino Sydney, is rightly hailed “the hero of suburbia.”
– Celebrated mid-century design featuring exposed Oregon beams
– Huge 715sqm property with a north-easterly aspect and city views
– Battleaxe block offers privacy and tranquillity away from the street
– Elevated position with principal rooms extending onto 12.5m sundeck
– Three bedrooms, including built-in wardrobes
– Renovated family bathroom with freestanding bath
– Contemporary kitchen features stone breakfast bench, wine storage and dishwasher
– Spacious open-plan living with full wall of glass to draw in sunshine and city views
– Multiple covered parking spaces for three + cars with natural rock wall backdrop
– Lush, sub-tropical garden with level play area and seating
– Walk to trains and shops, short drive to Lady Robinson’s Beach, Kyeemagh boat ramp, the Inner West and CBD
We look forward to welcoming you to a home that epitomises the timelessness of good design.
Floor Plan
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Specifications
Address
131A Forest Rd, Arncliffe NSW 2205
Specifications
3 bed, 2 bath, 3 car (carport)
Approx. gross land area
714.5 sqm
For Sale
Private Treaty
Open House
Saturdays: 10.30am – 11.15am
Architect's Drawing
Architect
Hrvoj Oskar Ninoslav Pleminiti Somogji, anglicised as Harvey Oscar Nino Von Somogy, and later as Nino Sydney, was born in 1932 in Zagreb, Croatia, where he studied architecture, before emigrating to Australia in 1955 and completing his architecture studies at the University of Sydney in 1958.
After graduating, Sydney worked in Hamm, Germany, before returning to Australia, working in for architect Theodore Fry.
He was appointed chief architect for Lend Lease Homes in 1961, a position he held until 1973, creating over 50 project home designs for Lend Lease, including the popular ‘Beachcomber’ and the award-winning ‘Casa Blanca’. Several of his designs, intended to provide modern architecture and finishes at an affordable price, were featured in the 1962 Carlingford Homes Fair.
Sydney was a prolific architect outside his work for Lend Lease, running his own practice from 1973 designing numerous family homes and medium-density housing across Sydney, industrial and commercial buildings in New South Wales and overseas, as well as further project home designs for Hooker Homes during the 1980s. He was active in the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and the Australian Modular Society, and also presented lectures at universities and seminars.
Nino passed away in January 2022. His wife, Vera, and children Mark (also an architect), Danny and Maya speak warmly of him as a husband, father, architect and sportsman, a kind, enthusiastic and passionate person who always had multiple projects on the go.
Drawing: State Library New South Wales
For Sale
Private Treaty
Open House
Saturdays: 10.30am – 11.15am