“Timeless, tasteful and liveable”… that was the brief from long-term MMD clients, the owners of this original three-level Espie Dodds house in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Built in the 1980s, the house had great bones and a garden that envelopes the building in a lush-verdant hug. Taking inspiration from the luxe-informality of traditional Italian summer villas, the floor-plan was re-imagined to create a central over-size entry hall that leads to the kitchen and dining area on one side, and lounge areas on the other. Ultimately, all the ground floor living spaces open onto a grand loggia that acts as an outdoor dining and entertaining area, taking full advantage of the garden, pool area and distant harbour views. The upstairs private areas were re-orientated to include a luxury-hotel inspired master suite for the owners, a retired couple with a swathe of grandchildren and extended family who frequently enjoy use of the guest wing. The colour palette takes its lead from the building’s original dappled rose exterior colour, reflected in the selection of Italian tiles for the loggia and custom rattan furniture. The neutral colour theme continues into the interior with finishes include parquetry flooring, straw wallpaper and custom MMD upholstery curated with a selection of antique furniture and the owner’s collection of Asian art, collected over a lifetime of travels.