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Spicers Sangoma Retreat

Perched on the eastern edges of the dramatic Blue Mountain ranges, Sangoma is a secret haven of calm, restoration and seduction. The design makeover was realised by Barbara Tarnawski following her ecologically sustainable principles in collaboration with Spicer’s design team.

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Project by Barbara Tarnawski Architects
Landscape Urban and Rural Design
Project Type Residential
Category Commercial
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Our Charcoal Grey Granite flamed pavers complement the beautiful alfresco and pool area and the stunning views across the valley, and our Porphyry Cobblestones were selected for the entrance way to the Reception area.

Project Highlights

Granite and Porphyry at Spicers Sangoma Retreat

Two natural stone products contribute to the landscape at Spicers Sangoma Retreat in the Blue Mountains. Charcoal Grey Granite flamed pavers feature throughout the alfresco and pool area, while Porphyry Two Colour Mix Light and Dark Grey Cobblestones were selected for the entrance to reception.

The stone sits within a wider landscape masterplan by Urban and Rural Design, developed around the retreat’s existing bushland setting. Alongside the upgraded pool area, the landscape incorporates a flowing creek bed, a native palm garden, a rock garden, and vegetable beds, creating a series of outdoor spaces around the retreat and its suites.

Sareen Stone supplied the Charcoal Grey Granite and Porphyry cobblestones used within the Spicers Sangoma Retreat landscape.

Products Used

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

Charcoal Granite Cobblestones

Porphyry Two Colour Mix Cobblestones paving example

Porphyry Two Colour Mix Cobblestones

Other Projects

Project Lowry

Sofia Rose House

North Harbour Residences

Nespresso Boutique, Karrinyup, WA

Nine-Square Bondi

FAQs

What natural stone was used at Spicers Sangoma Retreat?

Charcoal Grey Granite flamed pavers, and Porphyry Two Colour Mix Light and Dark Grey Cobblestones were selected for the outdoor areas at Spicers Sangoma Retreat.

Where was Charcoal Grey Granite used at the retreat?

Charcoal Grey Granite flamed pavers were used in the alfresco and pool area, complementing the outdoor setting and views across the valley.

Where were the Porphyry cobblestones used?

Porphyry Two Colour Mix Light and Dark Grey Cobblestones were installed at the entrance to the reception area.

Why were Porphyry cobblestones selected for the reception entrance?

Sareen Stone’s original project feature identifies durability, modern colouring and non-slip properties as reasons the Porphyry cobblestones were selected for this high-traffic entrance area.

How was the landscape designed around the Blue Mountains setting?

Urban and Rural Design developed a master plan that worked with the retreat’s natural bushland setting. The landscape incorporates a flowing creek bed, native palm garden, rock garden, upgraded pool area and vegetable beds alongside the existing and new suites.

Who designed the makeover at Spicers Sangoma Retreat?

The architectural makeover was led by Barbara Tarnawski in collaboration with the Spicers design team. Angela Maroney of Urban and Rural Design developed the landscape masterplan.

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