H&G INSPIRED BY
Australian House & Garden 27L
ike the consummate host, the best
homes invite us to put our feet
up and relax. The two-storey
Federation semi of acclaimed film
producer Jan Chapman is one of those.
Sitting tight beside a coastal walk in
Sydney’s east and just a minute from the
beach, it’s a no-fuss affair that welcomes
friends and family whether they have
sandy feet or are dressed to the nines.
Jan and her husband have lived here
for 20-odd years. “I really love its
openness and easy flow,” says Jan. But
the real draw was its proximity to the
ocean, its nearby coastal walks and
the rejuvenating views.
Another bonus was that the house sat
on a double block. This gave the couple
the opportunity to create a private
garden and an all-seasons entertaining
area. “We built a pool that could be
viewed from the kitchen when our
[now adult] son and his friends were
playing,” says Jan.
Jan’s work (her credits include The
Piano, Lantana, Somersault and BrightStar) involves collaborating with large
groups, so her home is her sanctuary.
“As much as I love my work, I also love
having this place to retreat to,” she says.
The ground floor of the east-facing
house is largely open plan, containing
a small, sun-drenched sitting room
that is ideal for reading, a comfortable
living room with Jetmaster fireplace
and a spacious kitchen/dining room
with deep banquette seating. Three
bedrooms, two bathrooms and a study
are located upstairs. “There are lots of
lovely nooks where people can hide
away,” says Jan.
The indoor-outdoor connection is
fundamental to the success of the house,
says Jan. “We have courtyards at both
front and back and balconies off the
bedrooms. The steel-framed glass doors
can be completely pushed back so that
the courtyard and kitchen become one.”
In 2006, Jan felt the home was in need
of an interior update and engaged
Sydney interior designer Briony
Fitzgerald to help realise her vision. >ABOVE LEFT The kitchen is spacious
and fuss-free. Benchtops made from
green terrazzo, Gosford Stone & Terrazzo.
Kitchen by DK Design Kitchens. Blackbutt
flooring (throughout).
ABOVE RIGHT Jan relaxes in the
sunny dining area. Banquette cushion
upholstered in Donghia Espadrille,
South Pacific Fabrics. Painting by Allen
de Carteret, photograph from The Piano
(on side table) by Grant Matthews.
OPPOSITE The covered rear courtyard,
connected to the kitchen via glass bifolds,
acts as an indoor-outdoor transition
space. For similar outdoor setting, try
Wintons Teak. Gate, Art of Stone.
For Where to Buy, see page 196.