Contemporary Brighton home transformed by design doyen

Alex Schiavo, James Driver and Jia Teresa Wizel of Kay & Burton Bayside, have listed the contemporary Brighton residence and are asking for expressions of interest by 5pm on September 16.

Brian Davis, founder of the Decor Corporation, lived at the Wolseley Grove home until his passing in 2021. Davis built his humble homewares company from the ground up in the late 1950s, eventually securing lucrative contracts with Coles and Woolworths.

He then went on to sell his award-winning designs around the world and was inducted into the Design Institute of Australia’s Hall of Fame in 1996.

After his estate was sold in 2022 for $8 million, the current owners engaged Frank Macchia of Macchia Design Studio to inject some Byron Bay je ne sais quoi into the then four-bedroom mid century modern house.

Today, the reimagined five-bedroom home on a grand 1630sq m is a private retreat with all the mod cons expected of a 21st century beachside home.

Beyond the double entry doors, the expansive ground floor has been created for quiet contemplation and meaningful gatherings.

The open plan footprint flows via seamless bi-folds to the outdoors, with the layout centred around a reading and conversation space featuring integrated seating and inspired planting.

There is also a fireside sitting area, window seats and a banquette dining zone next to the unique limestone kitchen with its vast island bench, Wolf appliances and large butler’s pantry.

Macchia’s modern touch has introduced Tongue & Groove oak floors, sand-laced wall render, fluted windows, custom made concrete basins, designer lighting and bespoke joinery throughout.

Additional entertainment areas on the lower level include a separate media room and the north-facing landscaped backyard complete with a family-friendly heated pool and spa. There is also a decadent outdoor spa, self-contained poolside pavilion and gym with a space for a sauna.

While four bedrooms with ensuites and a dedicated study space sit on the entry level, the first floor is home to a palatial suite with a lounge area and bedroom featuring a yard-facing balcony, walk-in wardrobe and a twin-basin ensuite with multiple skylights.

The new-look Brighton residence also has a big wine cellar with tasting table, a large laundry, an attic storage space, reverse-cycle heating and cooling, comprehensive camera security, bore-water irrigation, a substantial wine cellar, a lower-level powder room, and undercover parking for at up to three cars.

A unique Brighton property, the Wolseley Grove house is close to Church and Hampton streets, sought after schools, Sandbelt fairways, city trains, the Bay Trail, and Brighton Beach.

Listed with Kay & Burton Bayside, 3 Wolseley Grove is on the market via an expressions of interest campaign closing on September 16.