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Subscribe Home Tour: The Sky-High Darling Point Sanctuary
Perched on the 11th floor of a 1970s apartment block in Sydney’s Darling Point, Hopewood is a breathtaking renovation that redefines apartment living.
Transforming a delipidated relic into a light-filled, indoor-outdoor sanctuary with a sweeping 270-degree view across the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, North Head and Point Piper, was no easy feat; but for Madeleine Blanchfield, Director of Madeline Blanchfield Architects, it’s become one of her most inspiring projects to date.
Presented with a rare brief—to create the best apartment possible, with no specific client in mind—the eleventh-floor space was redesigned and reinvigorated to celebrate its panoramic surroundings and show off the very best of Sydney.
The result is nothing short of spectacular, so its no surprise the project is a finalist in the Residential Design category at this year’s Australian Interior Design Awards.
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“The owners were existing clients of ours who had inherited the apartment. With no one intending to live there, they took a risk and decided to renovate before selling,” says Blanchfield. “The brief was simply to just make this apartment as good as you possibly can, which is a rare brief to work with.
“That freedom, combined with the incredible location, made for an inspiring and efficient process.”
Design Without Boundaries
The original layout was outdated and closed off, with dark carpet, red walls, and a fake fireplace obstructing the million-dollar views. Through meticulous structural investigation, Blanchfield’s team discovered the building was supported by a concrete exoskeleton, allowing for all internal walls to be removed.
This architectural revelation opened the door to the project’s defining feature: a dramatic, fully open-plan living area that blurs the lines between inside and out.
Replacing a section of the façade with full-height sliding glass doors, the design invites the ever-shifting light, sea breeze, and cinematic harbour vistas deep into the home.
“Sunrise, sunset and everything in between are visible from one room, which becomes a live theatre of light and activity,” she adds.
Materials, Mood and Movement
To ground the apartment against this spectacular backdrop, the team curated a warm and tactile materials palette. Earthy travertine, richly veined marble, natural timber and handcrafted finishes bring a sense of permanence and soul.
“The materials feel almost Italianate, but the restraint in their application makes the home feel very Australian,” she reflects.
The materials are fresh, yet nostalgic, with classic accents offering a nod to the established heritage character of Darling Point. Venetian plastered walls, linen drapery, and subtle bronze detailing add textural nuance, offsetting the minimalist architecture with understated luxury.
Colour was used sparingly but strategically. A circular entry portico wrapped in blush-toned Breccia Pernice marble offers a moment of pause upon entry—a sense of arrival not often found in apartment living. From there, the interiors shift gradually in mood, growing warmer and cosier in contrast to the expansive outdoor views.
Furnishing With Freedom
Stylist Jack Milenkovic collaborated on furnishing the space, blending contemporary pieces by Henry Timi and Gervasoni with design icons from Mies van der Rohe, Perriand and Breuer.
“Designing without client input was uncommon but gave us freedom to pursue the ideal solution for each room and follow our creative instincts,” Blanchfield reflects.
At the heart of the living space, a Le Mura sofa by Mario Bellini acts as both a sculptural centrepiece and a social anchor, allowing guests to enjoy the views from every direction.
Calm Above the Clouds
Despite the structural and logistical challenges of working on an ageing high-rise, including the use of a mounted crane to transport materials and labourers, Blanchfield says the result exceeded expectations.
“It’s incredible to walk into this space, I think possibly more so than any project I’ve ever worked on, because it’s mind-blowingly spectacular,” she says.
“There is a sense of absolute calm and serenity in this apartment that’s hard to describe. It just feels so magical in there and you never want to leave—it’s like being inside the horizon, halfway between sea and sky.”
Project Credits
- Styling: Jack Milenkovic @jackmilenkovic
- Interiors: Madeleine Blanchfield Architects @madeleineblanchfieldarchitects
- Build: Venari Projects @venariprojects
- Photography: Tom Ferguson @tfadtomferguson
- Project Architect: Alex Prichard
- Words: Jessica Clark @jess__clark
Loved our tour of this sky-high Darling Point sanctuary and want more stylish home inspiration? Take a peek inside this inviting family haven in Drummoyne, and the Sunshine Coast home that perfectly blends the past with the present.
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