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Darling Point Residence

This Darling Point residence, designed by Lynda Kerry Interior Design, featured in the December 2023 issue of Belle Magazine, showcases a perfect blend of American heritage style and Spanish mission design. Sareen Stone’s natural stone played a key role in bringing this unique harbourside haven to life.

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Date 02/06/2024
Photography Conrad Taylor Photography
Place Darling Point
Project Type Residential
Architect Andrew Barnyak Design
Category Residential
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Cathedral Limestone Alfresco: Classic Outdoors

Lynda Kerry’s vision for the outdoor environment is realised with our Cathedral Limestone in an alfresco finish. This beautiful stone, reminiscent of European floors, graces the pool coping, step treads, entryway, balconies, and surrounding areas, and features prominently within the central hub of the home, complementing the warm timber surrounds.

The consistent use of Cathedral Limestone throughout the outdoor spaces creates a seamless connection between the home’s architecture and landscape. From the entryway and balconies to the pool surrounds and entertaining areas, the natural stone establishes a refined material palette that enhances both functionality and visual continuity.

Timeless Character with Cathedral Limestone

Cathedral Limestone’s inherent properties add a touch of timeless elegance, with a classic, sophisticated aesthetic that complements the architectural style perfectly. The subtle aged look of the limestone further enhances the project’s enduring charm.

The aged appearance, subtle texture and warm neutral tones of Cathedral Limestone give the outdoor spaces an enduring sense of elegance. Beyond its visual appeal, the limestone’s durability and slip-resistant alfresco finish make it ideally suited to pool surrounds, terraces and outdoor entertaining areas, allowing the material to perform as beautifully as it looks.

Charcoal Granite: Traditional Entrance

For the dramatic arched entrance vestibule, Sareen Stone supplied Charcoal Granite Cobblestones. This traditional material adds a touch of history to the home’s exterior. Continuing the theme, our Charcoal Granite Flamed tiles were used for the pavers and step treads leading up to the main entrance, creating a cohesive and inviting approach.

The combination of Charcoal Granite Cobblestones and flamed granite paving creates a distinctive arrival experience that reflects the home’s timeless architectural character. The darker granite provides contrast against the lighter limestone finishes while delivering a durable, low-maintenance surface designed to withstand everyday use.

Trendsetting Pool Design

The residence’s stunning pool features a Snowflake Mosaic tile interior, offering a modern touch and a hint of whimsy. The surrounding area is finished with our Cathedral Limestone alfresco, creating a luxurious and sophisticated poolside retreat.

Together, the Snowflake Mosaic pool interior and Cathedral Limestone paving create a sophisticated outdoor retreat that perfectly complements the home’s harbourside setting. The carefully selected material palette delivers both visual elegance and practical performance, making the pool area ideal for entertaining and relaxed family living.

Project Highlights

Cathedral Limestone and Granite Landscaping in Darling Point, Sydney

Located in Darling Point, Sydney, this luxury harbourside residence showcases Cathedral Limestone and Charcoal Granite throughout its outdoor living spaces. Cathedral Limestone has been used across the pool surrounds, balconies, entry areas and entertaining spaces, while Charcoal Granite Cobblestones create a striking entrance that complements the home’s American heritage and Spanish mission-inspired architecture.

Combining natural limestone with durable granite introduces warmth, texture and timeless character while providing practical, slip-resistant surfaces for everyday living. The project demonstrates how premium natural stone can unify architectural design and landscape, creating elegant outdoor spaces that are built to perform in Sydney’s coastal environment.

Sareen Stone supplies premium limestone, granite paving, cobblestones and natural stone products for residential and commercial projects across Sydney and Australia.

Products Used

Create lasting beauty and functionality with products designed for both aesthetics and strength. Our carefully selected products not only elevate the visual appeal of your project but also ensure long-term durability.

Cathedral Limestone tiles with soft neutral tones used in an elegant interior setting

Cathedral Limestone

Charcoal Grey Granite

Charcoal Granite Cobblestones displayed on mesh sheet, showcasing durability and low maintenance

Charcoal Granite Cobblestones

Other Projects

Wanderlust Residence in Vaucluse, Sydney

Southern Highlands Grand Design

Middle Dural Residence

East Side Chic Bathroom

Gerroa Project

FAQs

What natural stone products were used in the Darling Point residence?

The project features Cathedral Limestone for the pool surrounds, balconies and outdoor living areas, together with Charcoal Granite Cobblestones and flamed granite paving at the home’s entrance.

Why was Cathedral Limestone selected for this project?

Cathedral Limestone was chosen for its timeless European-inspired appearance, lightly textured finish and durability, making it ideal for luxury outdoor living areas and pool surrounds.

Why were Charcoal Granite Cobblestones used at the entrance?

Charcoal Granite Cobblestones provide a durable, slip-resistant surface while creating a welcoming entrance with classic architectural character and long-term performance.

Is Cathedral Limestone suitable for pool surrounds?

Yes. Cathedral Limestone’s alfresco finish offers excellent durability and slip resistance, making it an ideal choice for pool surrounds, terraces and outdoor entertaining spaces.

Can limestone and granite be used together in one project?

Absolutely. This project demonstrates how combining limestone and granite creates contrast, visual interest and a cohesive material palette across different outdoor applications.

Why choose natural stone for luxury residential landscaping?

Natural stone delivers timeless beauty, durability and versatility while enhancing architectural design with authentic texture and long-lasting performance, making it an ideal choice for premium residential landscapes.

TAKE US THROUGH THE INITIAL STAGES WHEN YOU WERE DESIGNING THE HOME.

We were very fortunate to work with the noted Southern Highlands Architect, Martin McGrane, on the creative design and layout of our home. Together with Martin, we created a beautiful, contemporary open plan home to enjoy with our family and friends.  This is our forever home.

Through a friend of ours, we came across an interior designer, and a beautiful outdoor material, the Cathedral Limestone, which we just fell in love with. We worked closely with Peta Daniel, Interior Designer from Daniel Baker Design, based in Sydney.  Which was wonderful, Peta just got us and what we were wanting to achieve in our home and helped us to make it a reality, in the selection of materials and finishes.

 

WERE THERE CERTAIN PEOPLE/PLACES THAT YOU TOOK INSPIRATION FROM WHEN DESIGNING/BUILDING THE HOME?

We were looking for a contemporary design, however, I didn’t want it to be too modern.  Inspired by a property in LA, that my husband came across, which we took some concepts from and added our ideas, and made it our own.

The LA contemporary look and detail leading into the house from the front door was something that we just loved.  Along with having one row of tiles that runs along the inside of the glass sliding doors leading into the living/dining room from the alfresco space was also a unique detail we wanted to include.

WHAT WERE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACED THROUGHOUT THE BUILDING PROCESS?

The build started in February 2020, and with all the delays throughout COVID, material delays, supplier issues, constant rain, mud pools, you name it, we had it!  Encountering all the possible elements, it felt like we were living in gumboots most of the time during the build.  It took 3 years to build the property, and 8 months just to get the roof on!

We had a deadline for our home to be finished by, which was our daughters’ wedding, being held in March 2023.

There were delays happening everywhere, including issues and delays with the quarry who were providing the Limestone that was to be used in all the outdoor areas surrounding the property.  We had chosen Cathedral Limestone in an alfresco finish with a lovely organic distressed finish on the edge, that we knew would complement the other natural materials we were using.  Time was of the essence, and it came to crunch time and the quarry could not provide a guaranteed time of delivery.  We thought what a disaster!

 

TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH SAREEN STONE.. AND HOW THE TEAM HELPED TO OVERCOME THE SUPPLY ISSUE WITH THE CATHEDRAL LIMESTONE.

Working closely with Michael Mastro, from Sareen Stone, he had been in constant contact updating me as best he could.  Then an alternative solution was presented, another Limestone of the same size and finish, with similar tones, which I hoped would work and arrive in time.  Sareen Stone had been behind the scenes working closely with another quarry, to create a new product ‘Lavarosa Anticato’, just for our project, so that we had a solution and were able to finish our home in time for our daughter’s wedding.

When the material arrived, we couldn’t have been happier.  We just loved the Lavarosa Anticato, and it worked so well with our colour palette, and love it even more than our previous selection.  We were over the moon!

 

DESIGNER COMMENTS:

Working with Kate and Eugene on this project was wonderful. They were passionate about the overall design but also the finer details and the interplay of the natural materials with the surrounding landscape.

It was very important that the natural material palette was harmonious, and that each element was both complementary and warm.

I’ve worked with Michael from Sareen Stone on a number of projects and have always been impressed with his professional advice and clear communication. The magnificent home warmly wrapped with the “Lavarosa Anticato” is simply stunning.   A beautiful project!

Peta Daniel, Daniel Baker Design

 

IN COLLABORATION WITH:

Interior Designer:  Daniel Baker Design, 0414 341 778
Architecture:  Martin McGrane Architects, 0412 242 253
Photography and short film:  Bolt Media, 0426 607 040