Luxury on tap: Coronation Avenue, Balmoral, $20m

This ‘turn-key’ home has it all.

No expense spared: the home was three years in the making.

NSW, Coronation Avenue, Balmoral, $20m

The future owner of this home on Sydney’s lower north shore need only bring a suitcase and a toothbrush. Everything else has been taken care of.

The ultra-modern Balmoral residence is a three-year collaboration between Sydney architect Harlan Redgen and Cameron MacDonald, a London-based designer and developer who specialises in creating luxury “turn-key” homes – properties that are ready to be lived in, complete with everything from custom furniture and curated artworks to linen on the beds, crockery in the kitchen and towels in the bathroom.

MacDonald, who has created prestige turn-key houses in London and Monaco, says the Balmoral residence – his first such project in Australia – is his finest yet.

The elegantly pared-back five-bedroom residence, set over three levels, has never been lived in.

Turn-key homes cater for the needs of jetsetting “ultra-high net worth individuals”, MacDonald said at time of the home’s completion in 2015. Potential buyers might own several homes around the world and want one here but lack the time to design, build and fit it out from scratch. “There are a lot of Australians who have done very well abroad and want to relocate back to Australia but they don’t have three to four years to create something like this.”

The elegantly pared-back five-bedroom residence, set over three levels, has never been lived in – although various high-profile guests have leased it for a reported $6000 per night, most recently pop star Justin Bieber.

MacDonald says that at the conceptual stage, his priority was to make the most of the north-facing position and location above Balmoral Beach. Taking advantage of the property’s topography, which allows for absolute privacy, MacDonald and Redgen conceived two entrances, one for guests and the second for the owner.

The restrained décor complements frameless floor-to-ceiling windows.

Sandstone garden walls frame the approach from the street above and lead to custom-built timber entry doors that open onto the top floor. Here is the main living area, media room and kitchen. A beautifully crafted marble and timber kitchen bench resembles an art installation, and the restrained décor – white walls, terrazzo flooring and dark stained American oak timber joinery – complements frameless floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the Middle Harbour views.

The ground floor comprises the garage and guest apartment with its own entrance, while on the first floor are four bedrooms, each with ensuite, powder room and walk-in wardrobe. The swimming pool on this level was an engineering feat and one of the features that create the ultimate feeling of luxury, MacDonald says.

There are four bedrooms on the first floor, each with ensuite, powder room and walk-in wardrobe.

The developer, who worked closely on every detail of the project with architect Redgen, says the turn-key concept, which is more common in London and New York among cashed-up but time-poor buyers, complements his design vision, which draws inspiration from travel, architecture, art, music, fashion and science.

“I find the most creative expressions occur when all of these disciplines collide,” MacDonald says. “In that sense, I hope the Balmoral residence does challenge conventional ideals of what a house is or should be.”

Agent: Raine & Horne Mosman principal Brendan Warner, 0415 223 300