Fifteen years ago, few would have imagined that a derelict harbourside swimming pool at the base of a near-vertical cliff in Mosman could become one of Sydney’s most breathtaking homes. The land, perched just above a secluded private beach, was so steep and inaccessible that many experts dismissed it as ‘absolutely unusable’. However, thanks to the tenacity of the owners who would not give up on their dream home, and the skill of builders Mallinger Constructions – there now stands a luxury residence in one of the most enviable locations on earth.

For the owners, Robert and Leonie Klaric, this project was driven by a bold dream and unwavering determination. The ‘unbuildable’ site which incorporated 30m of secluded beachfront in one of Australia’s most affluent enclaves represented an extraordinary opportunity to create their dream home – a world class villa on Sydney Harbour’s edge. Refusing to take impossible for an answer, they persevered for six years and through three Land and Environment Court applications before finally getting building approval.

Master Builder Stephen Mallinger acknowledges the project as the most challenging of his career – and the challenges were extreme. The site which was 40 metres below street level, had no vehicular or waterfront access and no existing services. This required innovative solutions even before the first foundations were poured. A towering crane had to be installed above to ferry every material and piece of equipment down the cliff. From there, more than 80 deep concrete piers were drilled into bedrock to stabilise the structure and accommodate yet another challenge of the site which was a 45 degree slope.

 

 

Throughout this demanding process, Mallinger worked closely with the owners and the architectural team, Woodhouse and Danks, translating the owner’s vision for a modern Mediterranean villa into meticulously crafted reality.

Internally, the villa is a study in understated luxury, with a neutral palette and clean lines that enable the spectacular water vistas to take centre stage through expansive walls of glass. On each level the interiors seamlessly open onto terraces to ensure that the owners can completely immerse themselves in the incredible harbour front location.

 

 

Throughout, American walnut veneer joinery provides warmth against cool expanses of marble and stone. Each of the four bedrooms a grand Turkish marble staircase spirals through all four levels, acting as both a sculptural statement and an engineering triumph, a bespoke 1000 bottle wine cellar and an infinity edge pool.

 

 

Waking to a harbour sunrise through the floor to ceiling windows of the luxurious master suite feels like a dream in itself. This private luxury retreat includes a freestanding bath perfectly positioned to capture the view, his and her showers, and a hotel style mini bar night caps. The same craftsmanship continues throughout the home, with each of the three additional bedrooms also featuring bespoke American walnut joinery and beautifully finished Turkish marble bathrooms, underscoring the residence’s uncompromising attention to detail.

 

 

The home is now easily accessed by a cable car which takes the owners down the 40 meter drop and while the home’s effortless elegance disguises the complexity of its creation, those familiar with waterfront construction will appreciate the magnitude of what Mallinger achieved here.

 

 

The owners’ dream of building “the most sophisticated villa in Australia” has been beautifully fulfilled, in fact ‘Villa Aqua’ as the came to call it was recognised as the ‘Best Residential Property in Australia’ at the 2019 International Property Awards. But it was Mallinger Constructions’ ability to navigate the extraordinarily difficult site with precision and care that made it possible to transform a derelict harbour side pool into a luxury Mosman home.

 

 

Every detail of this spectacular Mosman custom home reflects a deep understanding by the builder of both the technical demands of building in difficult locations and creating a luxury residence of the highest calibre.

 

A 61-63 Cranstons Rd, Middle Dural NSW 2158
P 0418 854 407
E info@mallinger.com.au
W mallinger.com.au