Architect Carla Middleton’s Light-Filled Beach House for Sale in Tamarama

Ideally placed between Bondi and Bronte beaches, with Tamarama’s pint-sized strip of sand just a short walk away, architect Carla Middleton’s personal project was a labour of love and location. 

The one-time sombre semi on Tamarama St had been a classic 1910s Federation home in need of some TLC, but thanks to the modern transformation, the revived residence is a light-filled family retreat made for coastal living. 

As a result, Tama House has been showcased in design publications such as Habitus Living, House & Garden as well as The Local Project. 

Listed with Charlie Beaumont and Alexa Duffy of PPD, the designer beach house will go to auction on April 9 with a price guide of $6.9m. 

When Carla and her husband Chris bought the narrow and dark dwelling in 2012, their first priority was to accommodate their growing family while also injecting their own personal touch. 

Bringing in loads of natural light was top of the brief while the long 309sq m block allowed for an innovative approach to the improved floor plan that is now flexible enough to move with a family through various stages of life. 

Every detail has been carefully considered, which is to be expected for the planned forever home of an award-winning architect. Fine finishes include European oak floors, custom joinery, and acoustic QuietWave insulation in the first-floor addition. It also features Brodware tapware throughout, custom linen curtains by Pip Casey Interiors and lighting by Cult, Tovo and Coco Flip. 

Now the five-bedroom, three-bathroom home, complete with a home office, has retained some of its period charm while also adopting some 21st century functionality. 

North-facing skylights, picture windows, and large sliding doors illuminate the home, while a dramatic 7m void crowning the living zone adds to the sense of volume and grandeur.  

The new design embraces the home’s gable roofline, extending it in an asymmetrical form and the savvy use of glass means the trees, clouds, stars, and sun are on show throughout the day. 

Honouring its Federation roots, the home still has its wide arched hallway and ornate 3.4m ceilings in the front bedrooms, while the rear extension – wrapped in James Hardie fibre-cement cladding – has a contemporary stamp. 

In the sophisticated kitchen there are Caesarstone Cloudburst surfaces, a Miele induction cooktop, Neff slide and hide oven, and a coffee station. On each floor there are full bathrooms and the ground level houses a large laundry with convenient side yard access. 

A cocktail bar has been cleverly tucked under the dining room stairs and the voluminous lounge flows out to a private barbecue deck made of spotted gum and a garden designed by Pepo Botanic. To the rear of the block, a separate studio office with air conditioning is a tranquil break away space. 

On the upper level there are three big bedrooms including a main with a walk-in wardrobe and a shower ensuite with twin vanities.  

Sitting on one of Tamarama’s most sought after streets behind an original Federation facade, the home has parking for two cars, is in Bondi Public School’s catchment area, and is close to beautiful beaches, ocean pools and South Bondi’s vibrant dining. 

Tama House is on the market with Charlie Beaumont and Alexa Duffy of PPD. The home is set to go to auction on April 9 with a price guide of $6.2m.