Rare architect-designed sanctuary for sale in St Ives

The property at 188 Killeaton Street, St Ives, is being marketed by Ray White Upper North Shore agent James Levy.

The property is set to go under the hammer on 18 March.

Owners Steven Isaacs and Lisa Saville said the original structure was modest, inward-looking, and disconnected from its generous 1,625sqm block.

“When we first encountered the site, it held enormous potential but required significant re-imagining,” Ms Saville said.

“The original structure was modest and inward-looking, failing to take advantage of its northern aspect or establish a meaningful connection to landscape and natural light.

“As architects designing our own family home, the project became an opportunity to explore ideas around light, environmental performance, and the relationship between architecture and everyday living.

“What drew us in was the opportunity to reshape it into a home deeply connected to nature, sunlight, and family life.”

The transformation began with a return to fundamental design principles - passive environmental performance, access to winter sunlight and summer shade, natural cross-ventilation, and improved thermal insulation.

“The architectural approach involved re-orienting living spaces and rationalising circulation to create a more efficient plan that emphasises spatial clarity and light,” Mr Isaacs said.

“The design focuses on calmness and connection, opening the home to gardens and courtyards while creating layered spaces that balance privacy with togetherness.

“Every intervention was considered through the lens of daily living: how light moves through the home, how materials age over time, and how spaces support evolving family rituals.”

Ms Saville said there were several standout features within the home including a pivotal central courtyard that blurs the boundary between indoors and outdoors, creating a sequence of outdoor rooms that extend the living spaces.

“The courtyards and outdoor rooms act as breathing spaces within the home, allowing light, air, and landscape to become active participants in everyday living,” she said.

“Seamless indoor–outdoor living environments and dedicated creative and wellness spaces integrated into everyday family life.”