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Balmoral Residence

This stunning Balmoral residence underwent a major renovation, transforming it into a haven of modern, contemporary design. A key element in achieving this transformation was the strategic use of Sareen Stone’s Ocean Grey Granite.

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Photography Bolt Media
Place Balmoral
Project Type Residential
Category Residential
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Custom Design Meets Natural Beauty

This project involved extensive use of custom-sized Ocean Grey Granite pavers, step treads, and risers in the alfresco finish. These natural stone outdoor pavers were meticulously installed on pedestals, throughout the entry path, terrace, BBQ area, and steps leading down to the garage, creating a cohesive and visually striking outdoor space.

The custom sizing and pedestal installation allowed the paving to integrate seamlessly with the home’s contemporary architecture, creating clean transitions between the entry, entertaining spaces and garden. Ocean Grey Granite establishes a cohesive material palette throughout the exterior while enhancing the property’s refined coastal character.

A Longstanding Partnership

This project exemplifies Sareen Stone’s commitment to exceeding client expectations. The homeowners, loyal clients for over 10 years, have entrusted Sareen Stone with numerous projects, and the Balmoral residence renovation is a testament to their continued trust.

This long-term relationship reflects the confidence homeowners place in premium natural stone that delivers both aesthetic appeal and lasting performance. Working closely with returning clients allows Sareen Stone to provide tailored solutions that complement evolving architectural styles while maintaining exceptional quality across every project.

Strength, Beauty, and Functionality

Ocean Grey Granite proved to be the perfect choice for this project. This captivating natural stone boasts exceptional strength and durability, ensuring lasting beauty in all areas. Additionally, its unique colour movement seamlessly blends with the surrounding garden landscape and outdoor elements.

Beyond its visual appeal, Ocean Grey Granite is exceptionally well suited to high-use residential environments. Its natural durability, low maintenance requirements and resistance to weathering make it an ideal material for pathways, terraces, pool surrounds and outdoor entertaining areas that are designed to be enjoyed every day.

Designed for Safe Outdoor Living

The alfresco finish offers P5 slip resistance, making it ideal for outdoor and wet applications. This feature provides safety and peace of mind for residents and guests enjoying this stunning outdoor space.

The bush-hammered alfresco finish provides confidence underfoot without compromising the refined appearance of the stone. This combination of safety and architectural quality makes Ocean Grey Granite an excellent choice for luxury residential projects where performance is just as important as aesthetics.

A Contemporary Outdoor Sanctuary

By combining the modern elegance of contemporary design with the natural beauty of Ocean Grey Granite, the Balmoral residence renovation has become an oasis of luxury and functionality. This project is an inspiration for homeowners seeking to elevate their outdoor spaces with a touch of sophistication and practicality.

The thoughtful use of premium natural stone throughout the landscape creates a timeless outdoor environment that feels both sophisticated and welcoming. By balancing contemporary architecture with durable, beautifully crafted materials, the renovation demonstrates how considered material selection can elevate everyday outdoor living.

Project Highlights

Ocean Grey Granite Landscaping in Balmoral, Sydney

Located in Balmoral, Sydney, this luxury residential renovation showcases Ocean Grey Granite throughout the entry path, terraces, outdoor entertaining areas, stairs and BBQ space. Custom-sized granite pavers, step treads and risers create a seamless material palette that complements the home’s contemporary coastal architecture while strengthening the connection between indoor and outdoor living.

Specified in a custom alfresco finish, Ocean Grey Granite provides exceptional durability, P5 slip resistance and timeless visual appeal, making it ideally suited to high-use residential landscapes. The project demonstrates how premium natural stone can transform outdoor spaces into elegant, functional environments designed for long-term performance.

Sareen Stone supplies premium granite paving, pool coping, step treads 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.

Ocean Grey Granite tiles, pavers and coping for indoor and outdoor spaces

Ocean Grey Granite

Other Projects

Gerroa Project

MacMasters Beach

Mosman Project

East Side Chic Bathroom

Hunters Hill Residence

FAQs

What natural stone was used in the Balmoral residence?

The project features custom-sized Ocean Grey Granite throughout the entry path, terraces, outdoor entertaining areas, stairs and BBQ space.

Why was Ocean Grey Granite selected for this project?

Ocean Grey Granite was chosen for its natural colour variation, exceptional durability and ability to create a sophisticated outdoor environment that complements contemporary coastal architecture.

Is Ocean Grey Granite suitable for pool surrounds and outdoor entertaining areas?

Yes. Ocean Grey Granite’s custom alfresco finish achieves a P5 slip rating, making it an excellent choice for pool surrounds, terraces and other outdoor living areas.

Can Ocean Grey Granite be custom manufactured for residential projects?

Absolutely. This project demonstrates how Ocean Grey Granite can be supplied in custom sizes for pavers, coping, step treads and architectural landscape features.

What are the benefits of granite for outdoor landscaping?

Granite offers exceptional durability, low maintenance, slip resistance and long-term performance, making it ideal for premium residential landscapes and coastal environments.

Why choose natural granite for a contemporary home?

Natural granite combines timeless beauty with outstanding strength and versatility, creating outdoor spaces that are both visually striking and designed to perform for decades.

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