Architecture — Maya Sternberg Architects
Interior Design — Nina Maya Interiors
Photography — Felix Forest

Despite its vast scale, the four-storey residence unfolds as a serene haven. From a sculptural, curved staircase which snakes up through the home’s centre, to a series of five retreat-like bedrooms, each with floor-to-ceiling views of the stunning surrounds, and bespoke marble ensuites — every aspect of this project was carefully considered with an eye to elevate the daily life of not only its inhabitants, but visiting guests too.

The master bedroom, which boasts 360-degree vistas of Sydney Harbour, including the iconic Opera House, is the lap of luxury. Here, a steam shower leads seamlessly to an outdoor oasis, complete with a plunge pool within which one can take in the surrounding splendour.

While Villa D’Estate boasts a range of high-end amenities designed for modern living, such as a state-of-the-art gym and full size steam room on the ground floor, Nina Maya and her team — who were given carte blanche by the clients, were careful not to lean into modernity too much at the expense of creating something lacking in soul. As such, femininity played a pivotal role in the design, inspiring a softness and warmth demonstrated in the thoughtful detailing throughout the home. 

On the ground level sits the pinnacle of a modern kitchen — much of which is rendered in a striking, deeply detailed Primavera marble, with a gently undulating kitchen island nodding to the form of the central stair. Alongside the kitchen on the ground floor sits a stunningly finished, double height conservatory, flanked by mature trees and leading directly onto a serene, Japanese-inspired garden courtyard. Here, Pierre Paulin’s iconic Pumpkin chairs lend the space a sense of comfort, while a bespoke commissioned artwork by Ben Mazey draws the eye to the canopy above.

The home’s formal living area gives the influence of curvature new life, centred around a jaw-dropping custom marble fireplace backing onto a wall of the same dimensions. But, perhaps the most striking space of all on this lower level is also the most unassuming — the powder room. A solid marble, stacked vanity emerges from the floor, growing in scale and impact as it ascends. Its splendour is only enhanced by the glowing, double height crystal brick wall — custom made by Nina Maya Interiors. 

Elsewhere in the home, a series of lounge areas (seven, in total) run the gamut from formal entertaining spaces to quiet, cavernous retreats, while two richly-finished studies offer quietly designed spaces for focused work. A convivial bar rendered in a deep cream marble mirrors the stunning, stacked form of the powder room vanity. Accompanied by an open wine cellar enveloped entirely in deep onyx, the bar is one of the home’s many communal areas dedicated to entertaining. 

The exterior spaces are equally impressive, with a series of meticulously designed terraces dotted across the property. A Mediterranean-inspired oasis complete with a semi circle infinity pool offers unobstructed views of the harbour, while a sweeping, covered outdoor area off the kitchen on the mid level boasts a similar outlook, imagined as the ideal spot for larger gatherings.

This is a home made for entertaining, with endless opportunities for unforgettable experiences. But ultimately, where Villa D’Estate’s magic lies is in the way it offers a refined escape from the bustle of city life — while wholly immersing inhabitants in the splendour of it’s beauty.