Contemporary Brighton home transformed by design doyen
Once home to Australia’s kitchenware king, this Brighton residence is now on the market with a $15m–$16.5m price tag.
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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.
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A beautifully renovated New South Wales home in a never-to-be-built-out location by the beach is on the market.
The property at 61 Hillcrest Avenue, Mona Vale, in New South Wales, has a price guide of $7.5+ million and is being marketed by Ray White Northern Beaches agents Emma Blake and Sasha de Bilde.
The property is set to go to auction on October 26.
Ms Blake said the “historic home” with direct beach access was set at the end of a cul-de-sac in one of Mona Vale’s most prestigious streets.
“The property is in a never-to-be-built-out position and there are large open plan living spaces looking out to Mona Vale Beach and beyond,” she said.
“The elevated position offers uninterrupted 270-degree views across Mona Vale Beach, the ocean horizon, and surrounding headlands – with expansive open-plan living spaces designed to embrace the coastal lifestyle.”
The home was once owned by local surf entrepreneur Shane Stedman, founder of Shane Surfboards and credited with popularising the Ugg boot in Australia.
Over the years, the property became something of a local icon – hosting several well-known guests, including Richard Branson.
In 2021, the home was purchased by Justin Riddett and his family, who were living in Singapore at the time.
Together with design firm Whitney & Co and Northern Beaches Constructions, the owners undertook a major renovation that transformed the home into a contemporary beachside haven while preserving its original character.
The four-bedroom, two-bathroom home features a high-quality build with thoughtful architectural enhancements, blending timeless coastal charm with modern functionality.
The renovation was led by Julie Fisk of Whitney & Co and Elliot Ryan of Northern Beaches Constructions, in close collaboration with the owners.
“From the outset, we wanted to honour the spirit of the home while elevating it to a new standard,” Mr Riddett said.
“The result is something truly special – a place where our family has thrived and connected deeply with the beach and community.”
While the family is ready to downsize, Mr Riddett said the lifestyle will be hard to leave behind.
“Most days the kids and I go to the beach after school – there’s no road to cross,” he said.
“For us, this house was about the kids, and I think it would best suit another family who can enjoy its location just like we have.”
The property’s location is unmatched – one of the few homes in the entire Northern Beaches with direct beach access and panoramic views, he said.
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