Nullarbor terracotta tiles from Monier Roofing provided the desired American shingles look to a newly renovated Californian bungalow-style home in Sydney.

Rebecca, who created this beautiful new home for her family, which includes her husband and three active boys, is an experienced renovator. For this home located high on the hilltop in Sydney’s Bronte, Rebecca had a clear idea of what she wanted to achieve, and the team she needed to pull her vision together.

Seeking a Hamptons-inspired look with a more relaxed, family vibe, she chose to work with Cape Cod, who had renovated her last home a few hundred metres away.

“The last house wasn't anywhere near the size and scale of this project, but that was our first experience in working with Cape Cod and we got to understand the process a lot better. We formed excellent relationships with their architect and construction manager, and all of their key team, including subcontractors.”

Rebecca immediately saw the potential of the new house, a heritage-listed, 1921 Californian bungalow (in near-original condition). It stood on a large flat block, just moments from Bronte Beach. By extending the ground floor and adding a second storey, they could capitalise on the magnificent ocean views.

“We had a couple of discussions with Cape Cod’s architect before we proceeded with the purchase,” she explains. “We had a very clear idea of what we wanted. We know the way in which we like to live and we love entertaining. The design is open-plan yet there’re ample living spaces to retreat to if we wish.

“There was no question about the design style that we wanted, both from an exterior point of view as well as the interiors. We are so close to the beach, so I really wanted that elegant coastal home.

“We had a more casual Hamptons style in our last house, but this time around we were more specific about the finer details, such as the rugs, beautiful fabrics for sofas and scatter cushions, bespoke hardware and lighting, tapware and Carrara marble. The end result is just beautiful. It’s everything I’d envisioned and more. Other styles have their place, but the Hamptons style suits our family and this location just beautifully.”

Interior designer Denai Kulcsar worked with Rebecca on the interior touches, while Good Manors did the pool and landscaping design and construction.

Though American shingles were her first choice for the roof, concerns about supply and cost made Rebecca reconsider her decision. Instead, she chose Cape Cod’s recommendation – Monier Roofing’s Nullarbor terracotta tiles in Peak colour.

Terracotta tiles are extremely resilient – an important factor given the home’s beachside location while the colour will withstand the elements.

“The roof is just beautiful,” she says. “I sit on the back porch looking back at the garage structure – a lot of the roof is very visible and I think it was the best choice we made. It is way more practical and hard wearing than shingles and it won’t fade, which was really important.”

She says she even loves the low-profile capping on the roofline, which gets a starring role on top of the garage.

“And we really had this view in mind when we were making the decision,” Rebecca adds. “I think it's the attention to all the details that makes it all come together. The rear cottage-like structure is pretty and given that the roof is so visible, I think we nailed it.”

Getting the details right

1. The perfect pool tile

Rebecca had a particular blue in mind for her pool, working with the team at Good Manors who sourced the ‘Azari’ tiles from Bisazza.

2. Bifold timber doors

Timber doors from Stegbar on the back porch and off the main bedroom can open out for an easy flow between indoors and out.

3. Shingle-look tiles

Rebecca chose Monier Roofing’s Nullarbor terracotta tiles in Peak to create a look of shingles, without the upkeep.

4. Custom-made joinery

The built-in timber bench next to the pool was made by Good Manors and serves a practical purpose by hiding pool equipment.

5. Crisp white for contrast

Rebecca had a custom garage door built by Personality Garage Doors painted in Lexicon Quarter as a contrast for the exterior weatherboards in Klute.