For Sophie Trippe-Smith Balmain, Sydney, was always the dream. ‘I used to walk up this street when I was young,’ she explains. ‘I always wanted to live on it one day.’ 

So, when this Balmain terrace came on the market in 2012, she and husband entrepreneur Adam Trippe-Smith, knew they had to jump at it. ‘I instantly fell in love,’ says Sophie. ‘I adore terraces, and this one just had such good energy with beautiful high ceilings. I was blown away by the city views from the roof terrace.’

It’s these views that Sophie and Adam will miss the most, having made the decision to sell their beloved 1880s Victorian terrace home. From the rooftop terrace, Anzac bridge and the full Sydney city skyline can be viewed in an impressive panorama. ‘Watching the sun go down and the light hit the city buildings is our favourite time of the day,’ she says. 

During their 10 years in the charming terrace, Sophie and Adam have put their own stamp on the place, including working with landscape designer Adam Robinson to add a double garage (‘a real luxury in Balmain’) and a lush north-facing garden. 

‘We wanted something that evoked a calm, serene environment where we could relax with family, but also entertain guests,’ says Sophie of their urban garden oasis. ‘It’s been a real sanctuary for all of us.’ 

They also worked with Kate Bell Design to enhance all of the rooms within the house, ensuring each had its own ‘unique sense of space’. The result is a bright, contemporary home that pays homage to its original features. 

Although Sophie and Adam have put their home of 10 years on the market, they won’t be moving far; ‘We’ll never leave this area!’, says Sophie. ‘Balmain is a community like nowhere else… we love being surrounded by water everywhere on this unique peninsula.’ 

30 Grafton Street, Balmain is listed with Samantha Elvy and Matthew Hayson at Cobden Hayson and will go to auction on Thursday 3 November at 6pm.