Head and shoulders above the city skyline

For Jody and Geoff Head, whose Parramatta penthouse is on the market, the city is their front yard.

At home with Geoff and Jody Head in their Parramatta penthouse.

One of the Jody and Geoff Head’s favourite things about their penthouse apartment in Sydney’s Parramatta is the size of their yard.

Well, technically, it doesn’t belong to them. But the family treats the sprawling 85ha parklands at the doorstep of the building as an extension of their home.

The family of four loves riding bikes through the adjoining suburbs in the booming western Sydney region, although, quiet nights spent together overlooking the hustle and bustle of the streets and river below from the 46th floor never get old either.

Views from the deck of the penthouse at 4602/12 Phillip St, Parramatta.

“Time is precious these days,” Ms Head says.

“For us to connect as a family, it’s awesome. We’re spoiled for choice in terms of dining and theatre, the park and everything else right on our doorstep.”

Through Covid-19’s worst days, the family lived on a rural property at Dural, northwest of Sydney. They decided to more closer to the city as the world began getting back to normal, particularly as their two girls were getting older and one was going to university in the CBD.

“We really embrace change (and) … Parramatta was an excellent location for us to consider,” Ms Head said.

“After being so busy with the property, the luxury hotel-style apartment living was very appealing. To have no maintenance and just be able to spend our free time doing the things that we enjoy and love.”

The penthouse’s kitchen is large and well appointed.

The Agency – North property partner Sunny Gandhi is marketing the sky home at 4602/12 Phillip St with a price guide of $4m.

“We lived here over 20 years ago in Parramatta and, definitely, it’s just really evolved in that time,” she adds.

The stylish penthouse takes on a distinct sleek and modern design. Light and airy due to the 3m-high ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the north and east of the home, the four-bedroom offers easy living.

“We deliberately picked the northeast aspect, so it really suits that morning sunrise and then the beautiful flickering lights at night,” Mr Head said.

Entertainers can take advantage of the gourmet kitchen, which features Gaggenau appliances, a built-in coffee machine and steam oven and butler pantry, before stepping out onto the private winter garden.

The Parramatta penthouse has plenty of space for relaxed living.

Ms Head added: “It is more like a big home in the sky; it’s not like a standard apartment and it has such a unique layout.

“We’ve all got our own separate spaces, but it’s all still really connected and having two teenage daughters, we all have our own bathrooms which was amazing.”

A separate study space is there for those working from home, although the nearby light rail makes the Sydney CBD a 30-minute commute.

A 23-year-old Bonsai tree takes pride of place at the family home.

Mr Head said: “The new Metro when it comes in will give you another option to get into Barangaroo and into the city, but it‘ll directly connect you with the new Western Sydney airport.”

The top-floor address has 24-hour, seven-day concierge service and access to boutique resort-style amenities, including a 20m heated swimming pool, state-of-the-art gym, fully equipped function room, outdoor lounge and BBQ areas in the landscaped gardens, 24-hour security and automated robot parking system shared within the building.

After having a taste of rural and city living over the past few years, the Heads are now going back to their roots and moving closer to the beach, where they have always felt most at home.