Linley Point House
Architect
Wendy Dando
Designed
1962
Engineer
Stanley Llewellyn & Whitten
Alts + Adds
David Briggs, 1976
Tony Coote, 1988–90
Location
Linley Point, Sydney NSW 2780
Specification
3 Bed, 2.5 Bath, Home Office, 1 Car + 1 Bed, 1 Bath s/c Apt
Program
Two-storey masonry house with lightweight s/c Apt on piers
Photography
© Aimee Crouch
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Introduction
This wonderful house at Linley Point, with views north along the Lane Cove River valley to the bush of the Lane Cove National Park, is a unique example of mid-century architecture.
In an era largely defined by the work of male architects, Wendy Dando designed the Linley Point House in 1962 for a school friend, a ceramicist, and her artist husband. Not only was it unusual for a woman to design a house at this time, but this was Dando’s first major project after graduating from Sydney University, where she studied architecture in the 1950s.
“An important design for many reasons, not least that it is a surviving, intact single residence by a female architect of the day.”
The Design
Originally, a two-bedroom house, it has been extended twice to accommodate the needs of the family. Working in harmony with the site, the house follows its contours rather than trying to impose any predetermined design on it – a design that was so unconventional and inventive that it took several attempts to convince Council of its worth.
Dando cradled the house on a sandstone outcrop of the 752.3 sq m block, with half the house projecting out over the cliff. Access to the main part of the house from the front door is via a generous, clinker brick-lined central stairway, around which all rooms cluster.
There’s nothing regular about the footprint of the house, nor the shape of some of the rooms – all guided by the lie of the land. The dining room at the top of the stairs is elongated and intimate in feel, slightly reminiscent of a ship’s galley as it looks towards the river. Set at a 45-degree angle to the dining is the living room, which opens to a wraparound deck. The built-in cabinetry and clinker brick around the antique copper-hooded fireplace will delight lovers of mid-century detailing.
Split-level steps from the living room lead to the three bedrooms and a family area. The bathroom and laundry are also on this level, which opens to an outdoor drying area.
The kitchen adjoining the dining room was extended in 1988-1990 to include a breakfast area and incorporate a large dining/living deck. The painting and ceramics studios, built in 1976 on the level below, have been converted into a self-contained, one-bedroom apartment.
Just 7km northwest of the CBD, Linley Point has the best of both worlds – the city and bush. It is for those who love the outdoors and are passionate about the environment while staying connected to the city, Linley Point House may be the dream home you’ve always wished for but never dared to hope for.
Floor Plan
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Specifications
Address
4 View Street, Linley Point, Sydney NSW 2780
Main Residence
3 Bed, 2.5 Bath, Home Office, 1 Car
Self-Contained Apartment
1 Bed, 1 Bath
Approx. Total Living Area
221.3 sq m (not inc. Store or Decks)
Approx. Gross Land Area
752.3 sq m
For Sale
Private Treaty
View by Appointment
Saturday mornings
Architect's Drawing
For Sale
Private Treaty
View by Appointment
Saturday mornings