BYRON BAY RENOVATION TRANSFORMS COASTAL HOME INTO MULTI-GENERATIONAL RETREAT
A thoughtful timber-led renovation in Byron Bay has reimagined an existing house as a warm, resort-style family sanctuary grounded in natural materials.
3 min
A coastal Byron Bay home has undergone a carefully considered transformation, emerging as a relaxed, multi-generational retreat designed for connection, privacy and year-round liveability.
Rather than demolishing and rebuilding, the Dylan Lane project focused on renewal, enhancing the existing structure through natural timber finishes, refined planning and seamless indoor-outdoor integration.
Designed by Oceanarc Architects and delivered by Well Grounded Building, the renovation reflects a growing shift among prestige homeowners towards adapting and future-proofing existing properties.
The result is a contemporary coastal residence that balances architectural restraint with warmth, durability and a deep connection to its subtropical surroundings.
Timber defines warmth and longevity
Central to the project is a carefully curated timber palette that brings both performance and visual cohesion. Vertical Accoya timber cladding defines the exterior, chosen for its durability in coastal conditions and its ability to weather gracefully over time.
“Using timber cladding for the exterior and decking gave us confidence from a performance point of view, especially so close to the coast,” said Guy de Vos, Construction Manager at Well Grounded Building.
“But it also delivers aesthetically, it will weather off to a beautiful soft grey that really suits the Byron Bay environment.”
Inside, Tasmanian Oak flooring runs throughout the main living spaces, complemented by matching doors and mouldings. The natural material introduces softness and warmth while reinforcing continuity across the home’s interior zones.
“Timber was key to getting the feel right,” de Vos said. “The Tasmanian Oak floors, doors and mouldings introduce a softness that makes the spaces feel welcoming and lived-in, rather than overly polished.”
Tropical pool becomes the heart of the home
At the centre of the redesigned layout is a tropical swimming pool oasis, anchoring the home and creating a resort-like focal point without overwhelming the site.
Surrounded by lush planting and layered privacy elements, the pool connects seamlessly with both indoor and outdoor living areas.
“The pool and garden area really became the heart of the project,” de Vos said. “It’s where the family naturally gravitates, whether that’s kids in the water, long lunches outdoors or just quiet moments in the shade.”
The landscaping and spatial planning allow the home to maintain privacy while remaining open to its subtropical environment, reinforcing Byron Bay’s signature indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
Designed for modern family living
The renovation was guided by the need to accommodate extended family while preserving a sense of retreat and independence for individual occupants. Existing spaces were refreshed and subtly expanded, ensuring the home retained its original character while improving functionality.
“The vision was always about creating a place where extended family could come together without feeling on top of each other,” de Vos said. “We wanted the home to feel open and relaxed, but still give everyone their own sense of space and privacy.”
This flexible approach reflects broader trends across Australia’s prestige property market, where homeowners are increasingly prioritising adaptability, longevity and connection to place.
A blueprint for coastal renewal
More than a cosmetic update, the Dylan Lane project demonstrates how thoughtful material selection and restrained design can elevate an existing home into a contemporary coastal sanctuary. By combining high-performance timber, resort-style outdoor spaces and flexible living zones, the renovation delivers both immediate lifestyle benefits and long-term resilience.
Set within Byron Bay’s lush landscape, it offers a blueprint for coastal renovation that prioritises warmth, durability and enduring liveability.
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At the northern tip of Point Piper, hidden from the street and positioned directly on Sydney Harbour, “Radford” combines cinematic views, rare waterfront access and a fascinating connection to one of Australia’s most storied estates.
The five-bedroom residence occupies land once belonging to Paradis Sur Mer, the celebrated three-block waterfront estate that made Australian property history in 1982. The original mansion became the country’s first home reported to have sold for more than $5 million—and may also have inspired one of its fastest and most profitable resales.
Property developer and yachtsman Bernard Lewis purchased the estate at auction for $5.25 million, only to sell it within hours to English betting magnate and thoroughbred breeder Robert Sangster. Lewis reportedly made a $500,000 profit in the process.
Sangster renamed the property Toison D’Or—French for “Golden Fleece” and the name of one of his racehorses—and established it as a Sydney base with his then-wife, Susan. The estate subsequently changed hands and identities again, becoming Paradis Sur Mer, or “Paradise on the Sea”, during Susan’s marriage to financier Sir Frank Renouf.
After another headline-making sale near the peak of Sydney’s late-1980s property boom, the original mansion was eventually demolished and the waterfront holding subdivided. “Radford” now stands on one of those prized parcels, carrying a thread of that extraordinary history into the present day.
Harbour views take centre stage
Designed by award-winning architect Victor Berk and constructed in the early 1990s, the three-level modernist residence has been planned around its exceptional position.
Panoramic views stretch from the Sydney Harbour Bridge across Shark Island and Rose Bay to Manly. A prized northerly aspect fills the home with natural light, while bedrooms and living spaces open to decks, balconies and terraces overlooking the water.
The main living areas flow to a broad alfresco entertaining terrace, sunny swimming pool and level harbourfront lawn. Beyond the garden, a private jetty completes the quintessential Sydney waterfront lifestyle.
Inside, generous proportions make the home equally suited to private family life and large-scale entertaining. The formal dining area can accommodate up to 14 guests, while a Gaggenau-appointed kitchen incorporates an island, walk-in pantry and casual breakfast area opening to the poolside deck.
A fireplace anchors the principal living space, complemented by high ceilings, travertine floors and expansive glazing that keeps the harbour present throughout the home.
A private sanctuary on every level
The main bedroom is accompanied by two walk-in wardrobes, a sitting area and an ensuite featuring a spa bath, separate shower and twin basins. Three further bedrooms each have an ensuite, while a gym with its own kitchenette, built-in storage and bathroom can serve as a fifth bedroom or private guest retreat.
Additional spaces include a fitted home office, an upper-level family area, sauna, two powder rooms and a substantial laundry. A lift connects all three levels, and the central staircase sits beneath an atrium-style glass roof fitted with an electric retractable blind.
Ducted and zoned air-conditioning, extensive storage and a security alarm add everyday practicality. Internal access leads to an oversized secure double garage, with additional driveway parking.
Set in an elite cul-de-sac on one of Australia’s most prestigious waterfront streets, “Radford” is close to Lady Martins Beach, Prince Edward Yacht Club, the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Rose Bay’s marinas and leading schools. Double Bay’s restaurants, boutiques and village amenities are only minutes away.
It is an exceptional harbourfront residence in its own right—but its connection to the record-breaking Paradis Sur Mer estate gives it a place within the wider story of Sydney real estate.
Property details
Address: Wolseley Road, Point Piper, NSW
Bedrooms: Five, including a flexible gym or guest suite
Bathrooms: Five, plus two powder rooms
Parking: Oversized double garage and additional driveway space
Key features: Northerly aspect, panoramic harbour views, private jetty, swimming pool, level waterfront lawn, lift, sauna, home office and Gaggenau kitchen
Architect: Victor Berk
Agents: Michael Pallier, Sydney Sotheby’s & Brad Pillinger, Pillinger
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