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Designed and built by acclaimed architect Peter Stutchbury in the late 1980s, West Head House in Clareville was his home for 25 years, providing inspiration for the iconic forms and novel concepts that followed. He has been awarded AIA’s highest honours, and this particular home has been featured in numerous design publications; it has been consistenly cited for the thoughtful and innovative use of resources, melded with a deep understanding and respect of the landscape.
This is a home that dances lightly on that landscape; a place where the beauty of the design unfolds in unexpected ways, capturing the broad expanse of Pittwater to the north, while nestled within an extraordinary canopy of towering gum trees. It’s a place to immediately unwind, and shrug off the stress of city life essential living that invites one to go barefoot and savour the warmth of the polished timber and simplicity of the design, all the while marvelling at the ingenuity and sophistication of the home.
West Head House is comprised of separate pavilions for living, sleeping and guest accommodation with each dwelling responding intuitively to its unique position on the land. Broad decks join up with the interiors at every turn this is a home that strikes a fine balance between living indoors and out. There’s a pure sense of openness and serenity at treetop level – this house is simply a conduit for healthy living. Stutchbury has always viewed the landscape as an equal partner in any design; West Head House is sited to harmonise and adjust to changing light patterns and weather. Well-protected, with minimal exposure to the west and south, it’s particularly well-suited to the site.
The northern pavilion is designed to fly outward across the site toward sky; oriented to the north, its wing shelters open plan living, dining and cooking space. Above and below the main level are a pair of charming bedrooms with outlooks over the gardens. Nestled against the southern ridgeline is the parents’ retreat with new ensuite, walk-in robe and study, along with a secondary bedroom or bunkroom for children. A separate apartment at the top of the drive reveals a beautifully finished studio that’s fully self-contained; an ideal spot for weekend guests or caretaker. Multiple openings connect the living areas to gardens, views and waterfront, while the enormous north-focused deck presents wide vistas across the Pittwater
West Head House was built to the highest quality, but the value is not in its timber and steel construction it’s in every board being fitted, timbers being hand-selected and hand-finished; it’s the soaring spirit that inhabits this place. In careful hands, it will remain an innovative icon for future generations.
- Peter Stutchbury’s own residence with recent extensions that involved him.
- Multi-Pavilion design with free flowing living and entertaining areas
- Hand-crafted interiors: flooded gum walls joined by blue gum flooring
- Extensive levered windows to the outdoors and expansive platforms at each level
- Striking + serene: kitchen defined by polished hardwoods + open shelving
- Master retreat features a private deck, large bathroom and walk-in robe
- Studio apartment placed at the crest of the drive
- Sunlit north aspect with wide views over Pittwater and to West Head beyond
- Meticulously landscaped gardens of native plants
- An inspirational holiday retreat above Clareville Beach, 36km from the CBD