A love of water runs deep in Cottesloe

Being close to the beach wasn’t enough for the Pyne family who designed their house to take in the ambient sounds of splashing water indoors. Now it’s on the market.

The dining and entertainment features of 46 Pearse St, Cottesloe.

Being a short stroll from some of Perth’s best beaches wasn’t enough to satisfy the Pynes’ love of the water.

So, Stephanie and Gary integrated the relaxing sound of trickling and splashing into their Cottesloe home.

“When I was very, very young, we lived in a beautiful home that actually had a swimming pool inside the actual home,” Stephanie explains.

“We wanted to reflect that close-to-the beach feeling so we had a lot of water running through the home.”

Stephanie and Gary Pyne at their house in Cottesloe. Picture: Colin Murty

Walking up to the front door, you are greeted by a bubbling pond water feature. Then, moving through the front door, stepping stones surrounded by running water welcome you upstairs and into the living room, creating a showstopping entry.

“It’s so unique and no one had understood the concept,” Stephanie says.

“But it was an easy sell to the architect because he was really after something unique to build.

“I like the idea of having that running water, it’s very comforting, very peaceful. It’s nice to come home to.”

She explains they had planned to put koi fish in the entry, but never got around to it.

Had anyone ever walked away with soggy socks?

Water features prominently in the home’s design.

“The cat doesn’t even fall in, but it depends on how many you’ve had,” Stephanie laughs. “It’s not been a problem at all.”

The dividing wall between the open-plan living area has an integrated aquarium which can be enjoyed from both sides and helps to create a sense of separation and space.

Even outside, water can be heard lapping in the above-ground “infinity” pool. The home is built in an L-shape around the back yard, so the sight and happy sounds of people splashing away can be enjoyed from the indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces.

Water is one of several organic elements that have been showcased throughout the property, in addition to timber, limestone and marble.

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What was designed to be the Pynes’ forever home is now on the market. Picture: Colin Murty

he couple have lived in the property for the past 13 years, after taking two years to design and construct their vision. With three young children at the time, they wanted to make sure the four-bedroom, three-bathroom home would adjust to all stages of life. It stood the test of time and the Pynes have just one more child in their 20s yet to fly the coop.

They have made the difficult decision to sell their beloved home after Gary took up a new work opportunity in Melbourne.

Ray White Cottesloe and Mosman Park director Deborah Brady has been enlisted to sell the property, with a price guide of $8m.

The expression-of-interest campaign for 46 Pearse St closes on September 18.

A view of the central water feature. Picture: Colin Murty

Consideration was given to creating numerous spaces for the children to get away and play but also for the family to come together.

The kitchen is decked out for a home chef, with Gaggenau cooking appliances, twin warming drawers, steam and pyrolytic ovens, and a coffee machine. A large separate scullery provides a hideaway for an office nook.

Sliding glass doors retract to connect the sitting room seamlessly to the alfresco entertaining and dining space, with plenty of grass for kids to run amok.

An executive study is positioned by the front door, perfect for working from home.

The Pynes are looking for a change of pace when they move, but they hope the beach won’t be too far away.

“It’s very hard for me because the home is our baby, this is a forever home,” Stephanie says.

“It’ll be sad to see it go but going to Melbourne is going to be a different phase in our life.”