Iconic P&O curves and Sydney Harbour views.

Originally designed by renowned architect Walter Barda and recently reimagined in an uncompromising transformation, the home is a poetic fusion of architectural discipline and designer indulgence. With every angle maximising natural light and cinematic outlooks - from Chinamans Beach to the city skyline - the result is a residence that invites calm, ceremony and connection.

The sense of arrival begins just beyond its classic P&O form, opening to a voluminous entry framed by tropical landscaping and layered with natural materials: limestone, Elba marble, timber, and aged brass - each chosen for its tactile elegance. The eye is drawn to a custom-fitted bar alcove with stone detailing, then outward again to uninterrupted views that shift in character from morning to night.

“My vision was to modernise the interiors whilst respecting the past by ensuring the design choices were sympathetic to the original P&O features that give the house its wonderful character,” says the owner. “I wanted to achieve what I’d term a ‘quiet luxury’ vibe, with the use of beautiful marbles and natural stones and elegant fixtures and fittings combined with luxury comforts like heated floors and fireplaces, to set the home apart from the ordinary.”

The main living area is anchored by a Perlina marble fireplace, the surrounding space unfolding under raked ceilings and full-height glass. Stacking doors blur the lines between indoors and out, connecting to an elevated terrace made for sunsets and skyline reflections. The adjoining kitchen is sculptural and highly functional, with a monolithic Elba marble island, integrated refrigeration, Gaggenau and Ilve appliances, and a zip tap tucked subtly into the cabinetry.

The home has been designed for entertaining across all levels. The lower ground pool area is a family retreat with limestone floors, a gas fireplace, and a Taj Mahal quartzite wet bar that flows to a covered alfresco terrace. There’s overhead terrace heating, twin Artusi barbecues and a marble bar, leading down to an expansive millboard deck and tiled, heated pool. An outdoor shower and poolside bathroom add a considered touch for beach days or boat arrivals.

“I love the downstairs living area off the pool,” the owner says. “It flows so seamlessly from the indoors out. It’s not just the beauty of the stone features or the warm hug of the limestone heated flooring, but it is also such a versatile space. Be it entertaining guests on the terrace for a BBQ or relaxing by the fireplace with the family on a winter’s night, any gathering small or large can be catered for.”

Throughout the home, quiet vignettes of light and texture elevate the experience - custom lighting by Kelly Wearstler, Aerin Lauder and Articolo adds warmth and ambience, while brass fixtures and New Zealand wool carpets ground the bedrooms in comfort.  The custom veneer joinery and leather and brass detailing in the office make for a classic and functional work from home space. The generous master suite includes its own terrace, dressing room and marble-wrapped ensuite. Additional bedrooms embrace similar details, some with direct terrace access and sweeping city views. 

Other features include a temperature-controlled wine cellar concealed behind the courtyard, a large racked storage room, and a second garage with rear access via the home’s Clontarf address. The dual street access is rare for the area and provides convenient level access to the home, just moments from the Clontarf reserve walkway that adjoins Clontarf beach and the popular scenic Manly Coastal trail. Smart systems for security, sound and lighting are seamlessly integrated throughout.

“The sweeping views and magical sunsets from every level of the home are spectacular,” the owner says. “So the interiors needed to equally reflect that ‘wow factor’ you feel when you enter the front gate.”

In the words of its creator, this home is best described as “quiet luxury, with breathtaking vistas.” But it’s more than beauty - it’s also grounded in lifestyle. “The Northern Beaches is undoubtedly one of the best places to live in Sydney,” the owner adds. “You can feel the stresses of the daily hustle fade as you hit the beautiful sights of Clontarf Marina and Spit Bridge on your way home.”

The home’s locale delivers convenience at your fingertips, with the Balgowlah village and Seaforth shops just a short walk away. Express public transport is easily accessed, providing a direct connection to the Sydney CBD and surrounding schools. 

With Clontarf Beach access just steps away and a selection of dining favourites nearby - including Café Mon, Ormeggio and St Siandra - the home occupies a rare position of privacy, design pedigree and convenience. A home of architectural substance and poetic restraint, where every detail has been considered and nothing left to chance.

View the listing: 14 Plant Street, Balgowlah