WALKING IN FROM THE BEACH “barefoot and flopping
around in swimmers” is the kind of dream existence Aaron
Crothers and Jackline Sassine envisaged for their beach-
loving family, so when a house on a bigger block two doors
down from their previous home in North Bondi came up for
auction, they went for it. “It was a pretty spontaneous ‘let’s
build another house that is more us’ decision,” Aaron says.
LIFE REIMAGINED The classic Bondi cottage hadn’t been
updated since the ’80s. It had pokey rooms and made no use
of its northerly aspect, so the couple embarked on a massive
12-month rebuild to transform it into a modern beach house
that’s practical, stylish and super-relaxed. “We wanted to design
a home that isn’t precious,” Aaron explains. “The intention is
for it to age gracefully and develop its own character when the
natural finishes succumb to the elements. It’s a house that was
created to be enjoyed equally indoors and outdoors.”
BRIGHT AND BREEZY One of many impressive features
of the home is the double-storey void, which includes a large
skylight overlooking the kitchen and living area. “It creates
a greater sense of space and floods the back living area with
loads of natural light,” Aaron says. “It’s a joy soaking in the
light in the living room, and it’s also our family’s main gathering
space at the beginning and end of the day.” The couple also
made clever use of the sea breezes with lots of well-placed
windows. “We consciously did not install air conditioning, but
designed the house to make use of cross ventilation. We also
installed underfloor heating in the concrete floors of the living
room, downstairs office, bathroom and media rooms.”
PERSONAL SPACE Once the family had moved back in,
the majority of the decorating began. Jackline was the main
decisionmaker, and went with a “modern refined rustic” theme.
“We love using a combination of rustic, natural and recycled
finishes,” Aaron says. “We bought a lot of quality pieces that
would suit our home and work together. After that it was an
evolving process; we love picking up pieces when we travel
- we’re all travel bugs.” A personalised reading nook at the
top of the stairs is full of the family’s drawings, art and unique
furniture. In fact, the home is full of personal pieces that tell a
story, including gifted furniture and items made by Aaron. And
it’s these little details that make this beachside home a haven.
“It’s hard to imagine living anywhere else,” Aaron says. “How
can you not love living so close to the iconic Bondi Beach?” R
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