In the context of luxury West Australian estates, Dalry House is perhaps one of the finest we have seen. Steeped in heritage and oozing character, the painstaking journey to carefully marry its century old narrative with the demands of twenty first century living is awe-inspiring to say the least.
With a formidable journey ahead, architect Chris Taylor and Interior Designer Alaine Jones embarked on an exhaustive journey of design, restoration and rejuvenation whilst paying homage to the history of the home dating back to 1913.
The five-bedroom, four-bathroom residence delivers a curious blend of exciting design elements. The outcome of its transformation is a totally unique homestead that, above all else, feels like somewhere you simply don't want to leave.
The juxtaposition of well-crafted and enticing living spaces, set against a backdrop of rich character and luxurious appointments leaves an enduring aura of 'belonging.' Its classic period grandeur consistent with early twentieth century homes of distinction include glorious soaring ceilings with intricate detail, decorative mouldings, multiple Italian crystal chandeliers and delightful sash windows. The main entry corridor is a bold statement in both sophistication and proportion. Its extra wide dimension helps draw the eye towards a well-positioned over-sized glass door at the far end of the passage. With clever skylight positioning, the flooding natural light showcases a glimmering mirage of a hand-crafted mosaic glass carpet.
Reflective of a lifetime of global travel, the home delivers a feeling of being transported on a carefully curated journey into some of the remote corners of the planet. Original Japanese black jarrah floorboards throughout, two impressive antique Rajasthani pillars grace the entry to the formal dining room, bespoke iron handrails handcrafted in Indonesia accent the stairways. Reminiscent of an English stately home, the formal and informal living, dining, and entertainment areas open onto large, sweeping wrap around verandas. From here one's gaze is cast out over the French Mediterranean inspired gardens and then to the mesmerizing and unobstructed views of wider Perth and the stunning Indian Ocean.
Its magnificently elevated location enjoys a privileged outlook, sitting on three acres of gently sloping land. The multiple mature trees offer a unique insight into the heritage of the site whilst accenting carefully crafted and well positioned garden zones. Strolling the gardens in the morning to select your freshest seasonal produce for lunch or dinner remains a highlight for the owners. A wide variety of plants and flowers self-choreograph a display of vibrant colours that bloom through every season.
A summer favourite for all the family must be the pool area. Bespoke aqua-marine tiling transforms the heated infinity pool into a playground for all ages. The European-style stone-built pool house has beautiful bifold doors and a delightful log fireplace. A commercial grade kitchen, teppanyaki grill and pizza oven inside make catering for the extended family or indeed any sized event a breeze.
Articulate zoning of living spaces has created multiple well positioned areas within the home. The superbly appointed lower-level theatre room and pool table is a great escape from the 'buzz' of family life activity going on above. Here you will also find the fully racked, climate-controlled wine cellar, wrapped in stunning natural stone and capable of housing a healthy selection of the globe's finest vintages.
The upstairs resort-feel master retreat has been carefully designed around an oversized panoramic window which not only frames one of the finest views in the hills above Perth but also magically connects those inside with the ever-changing cinema of light happening outside. The evening performance is one not to miss with shifting hues of orange and pink over the valley below only outdone by the sparkling night sky as Perth plays lead role in its own nocturnal theatre.
Its Darlington location is an inspirational and heritage-filled area. It has retained a true village feel with a fantastic blend of old and new. The original stone houses of yesteryear contrast with a handful of bold and avant-garde homes to create an inclusive sense of community. Located only thirty minutes to the city and twenty minutes to the airport, Darlington is a superbly positioned West Australian address that is secluded yet so well connected to its surrounds.
Dalry House performs on many levels. It is as functional as it is beautiful. The sheer flexibility in its floorplan represents a carefully curated home that simply delivers from start to finish. Impeccably finished, it is a masterpiece in design woven into the fabric of its century old story.
At a glance:
Extensive locally sourced and hand-crafted stone forms the impressive framework to much of the property.
State of the art technology has been incorporated into this totally re-wired and plumbed home, with smart wiring, integrated audio and monitored security.
Over three levels there is approximately 745m2 of living area.
Expansive alfresco areas surround the residence and include a 13 x 6m heated infinity swimming pool with automatic retractable cover, linking through to the fifty-six sqm pool house.
Superbly appointed bathrooms, powder rooms and laundry areas with marble finishes and ample storage.
A 700,000-litre underground rainwater storage unit.
Well zoned, mature gardens have been carefully designed and are fully irrigated. The multiple walking paths through various formal and informal landscaped areas make for ever changing scenery.
A full-sized all-weather tennis court, bocce area, olive grove, outdoor shower and vine covered outdoor entertaining areas
A separate three car garage with ample on-grounds parking and dual entry driveways with automatic security gates.
