How many architects does it take to craft a masterpiece?
In the case of this remarkable Bruny Island house, the answer is three. 266 Simpsons Bay Road is the beautifully-resolved result of a creative collaboration between Giles Newstead, Richard Loney and Richard Brenchley.
The unique story of the house began when the architects were asked to transform a run-down industrial warehouse in North Hobart into two up-market residential town houses. When it became apparent that some of the structure didn’t lend itself to the redevelopment, the architects saw an opportunity to salvage the demolished materials and repurpose them into a brand-new dwelling on the vacant Bruny Island block owned by the team.
After several years of planning and construction, the new build is a showpiece of imaginative design and meticulous attention to detail.
From the road, you might think that the weathered corrugated iron wall is an old shearing shed. Actually constructed from the North Hobart building’s roof, it is an intriguing invitation to look beyond. The rewards come quickly. First, a monumental indoor/outdoor fireplace and chimney offers the opportunity to cook al fresco. It’s located on one side of the large, partly covered deck, elevated high above the ground and looking out into mature native forest with a glimpse of the bay beyond. On the day we visited, blue gums were in flower and there was the flash of swift parrots in the canopy. A family of four wedge-tailed eagles roosts nearby and can be regularly seen wheeling overhead.
The industrial aesthetic is introduced early, in the tubular steel trusses from the old structure, the double polycarbonate wall linings exposing the metal framing and the recycled hardwood decking boards.
Next, huge sliding timber and glass doors open from the deck into an expansive living area, with floor-to-ceiling double-glazed windows to take in every part of the forest views. The warmth of natural timber is the keynote here and throughout, with marine ply flooring, walls and ceilings. On one side of this appealing space is a large wood heater – opposite is the well-appointed kitchen, with its solid timber work surfaces and island bench, built by a local craftsman from reclaimed timber; and the adjacent dining area, with a Tasoak and steel table for six – though the space would fit a twelve-person setting.
The surprises continue – the living spaces meet a large indoor garden backed and warmed by the corrugated iron wall. In a respectful nod to Japanese Zen garden design, Tassie Gold limestone gravel surrounds recent plantings – olive and lemon trees, an avocado, espaliered fruit trees.
Alongside the garden, a walkway gives access to the home’s four bedrooms, all with the same full-height double-glazed windows. Here also, double layers of polycarbonate sheeting line the walls along the walkway and highlight the use of raw wool insulation.
Towards the end of the walkway is the bathroom, appointed with beautiful simplicity and featuring a deep ceramic tub. When the timber and glass window is rolled back, you’ll find that you’re enjoying an outdoor bath in your indoor garden. A second toilet is at the far end of the walkway.
Outside, there’s another appealing attraction – a walking track follows the line of a pedestrian right-of-way from the house, two minutes down through the forest towards the sandy shoreline of Simpsons Bay. You’ll definitely want to have a dinghy or kayak tied up on the bank here and the sheltered shallow water is extensive and child-friendly.
In its conception, design and execution, this is an outstanding and impressive property. Ideally suited to be used as a top-flight holiday home, a high-end short-stay accommodation business (the required permits are in place) or a full-time island residence, it deserves your attention.
Please contact Jude to arrange a private inspection.
**The information contained herein has been supplied to us and we have no reason to doubt its accuracy, however, cannot guarantee it. Accordingly, all interested parties should make their own enquiries to verify this information.
