Perched up high with views to the ocean, this impressive residence in Sydney’s Bronte has been home to Louise Olsen and Stephen Ormandy for 16 years, who purchased the home before the birth of their daughter Camille, now 15.
Despite its generous scale, ocean views and incredible natural light, Louise and Stephen say their home wasn’t always quite so enviable! ‘It was originally a dark federation cottage that had had a ’70s moment’ explains Louise, who moved in with Stephen and lived here for nine years before renovating.
Like so many homebuyers, Louise and Stephen’s first move after purchasing the original cottage was to paint all interior walls white, but aside from this cosmetic improvement, they were content to bide their time. In life and in business, it seems these two are always in for the long haul!
‘During those first nine years we saved the money we needed for the renovation’ says Louise. ‘The good thing about waiting is that we knew exactly what we wanted to do; we had a vision of how we’d like the house to be, we knew where the light fell, where the wind blew, and really got into the soul of the place before we renovated’.
Now a generous two-level property full of treasured design pieces, vibrant colour and incredible artwork, this beautiful home is, in fact, surprisingly ‘chilled’. Louise and Stephen have created a genuinely relaxed, laid back atmosphere here, where collectible art sits happily and in no particular hierarchy alongside endless stacks of books and trinkets, and souvenirs picked up from their many travels. Each space flows effortlessly into the next, and Skipper the sausage dog totters absent mindedly from room to room. Perhaps its the cool sea breeze that seems to flow through every room, or those calming ocean views… either way, this is a home that really is a sanctuary for the busy family who live here.
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