Young professional couple test their design skills with Blackheath retreat

Professional couple Claire and Jonathan Wilmott have tested their design skills after completing the designing and building of their ‘mountain cottage’ in Blackheath, now on the market with Ray White selling agent Peter Torok.

According to Claire, the entire project was a labour of love for the couple, who saw a rare opportunity to take on a project of this scale from beginning to end and test their skills in home design.

“It was definitely a daunting task, but the entire process and the end result has been so rewarding for us,” she said.

The couple were meticulous in refining their brief and designing a home that was ultimately not going to be for themselves.

“We actually spoke to Ray White beforehand, to understand who would be the ideal target market for this area, and we designed the property based on the research we did. We think it would appeal to the discerning buyer - a Sydney buyer who’d like to use the cottage as a retreat, but I wouldn’t discount any local buyers, or young families looking to move away from Sydney,” she said.

“But, it would be ideal for an established Sydney based couple or family - somewhere they can come and relax. Basically, my parents,” she added.

The four bedroom, two bathroom home was designed to capture the sunshine and warmth, with a north facing courtyard, and additional outdoor area that can be utilised at different times of the day.

“The property used to be a show garden, we did all the landscaping and built the retaining walls from our excavation. The landscaping took just as long as the build.”

The home is low key and unassuming from the street, and not what you would expect when you walk in, according to Claire. A design element that was intentional for the couple.

“We didn’t want the home to stand out from the street, we wanted it to look nestled into the block itself and blend into nature, People are surprised by how big it is when they come through,” she said.

Some of those natural elements include blackbutt timber flooring, timber, stone and recycled brick.

Claire said the home would be ideal for those who love to entertain.

“We have incorporated inside and outdoor entertaining areas, and the kitchen, livingroom and dining room are the hub of the house.”

“It’s a bit different to anything else in Blackheath!”

For more information contact Ray White Blackheath selling agent Peter Torok.

For images, click here.