A Glimpse Inside Point Piper’s Most Exclusive Residence

Kilmory Estate holds a special place in my heart, having worked closely with clients on this property across two distinctive homes over the past few years. It embodies the very essence of Sydney’s architectural heritage within its gates. As an interior designer deeply passionate about period homes and luxury design, I found myself captivated by the grace and elegance of this Federation marvel. Kilmory Estate, with its every meticulous detail, narrates a story – one of opulence, craftsmanship, and a legacy that transcends time.

The grandeur of Kilmory Estate unveils itself the moment one passes through its imposing sandstone and steel entry gate, winding up the driveway enveloped by the property’s private gardens. At the top, a similarly scaled sandstone portico holds court, adorned with a familial crest, graciously welcoming guests into the estate’s main house. Surrounded by such rich history, it was easy to imagine a modern twist – a blend of the estate’s historical charm and contemporary style.

Stepping inside, the entrance hall and stairwell are wrapped in dark timber panelling, an early source of inspiration. This architectural element transformed into a more contemporary version through carefully crafted oak panelling. This modern touch ensured the apartment’s interiors exuded a cozy warmth, honouring the craftsmanship of the past right from the very beginning of the journey.

At our studio, the design process is always rooted in curiosity and a dedication to understanding and honouring the legacy of the past. During the design discovery for our second project within Kilmory’s gates, our research unearthed a rare treasure- a collection of black and white photographs offering a glimpse into the property’s original interiors and the daily life that once filled its halls.

As an interior designer specialising in older homes, my goal was to create interiors that resonated with the estate’s history while embracing modern comforts. Working on two properties within the same estate was an opportunity to approach this challenge in two different ways to suit the canvas in front of us. The first, a penthouse apartment for a globally inspired family of four, saw us working within a modern shell mostly stripped of original heritage to create the family’s primary residence.

The second property, the estate’s former stables, was an opportunity to connect deeper with the heritage architecture while still ensuring the resulting spaces reflected the unique functionality required and displayed a curated selection of some of the best Italian design pieces alongside bespoke light fixtures by a design studio beloved by me and the client.

Explore the whimsy of the children’s room, where imagination takes flight, and the versatile playroom/study, a haven for curiosity and learning. Delve into the heart of the home – the expansive Poliform chef’s kitchen, where modern culinary artistry meets functional elegance, and the bathrooms, shrouded in moody drama, offering a taste of sophisticated luxury.

Amidst these beautiful spaces, singling out a favourite is a real challenge! Yet, the music room holds a special place in my heart. Encased with a steel frame window, it opens to a serene view across the modern sunroom, seamlessly leading on to the primary living space. Within the room’s enveloping muted green colour, music and design entwine, creating an ambience that resonates with both soul and aesthetics.

A Unique Opportunity to Redefine Heritage Charm

This project is unique because not only was I working with the clients for the second time, but also on the property for the second time, so that doubled the opportunity to push the limits. The longer the relationship with the clients, the more trust is built, the more I understand their personal story, the more we can expand our thinking.

Most of the building’s early features had been stripped out by developers, and very little resembled its original state. But after months of research, black-and-white photos of the interiors found their way into my hands, and with my expertise in renovating heritage and period homes, I was able to play a small part in being a custodian of this history. It was a true honour to bring to life our interpretation to be enjoyed for generations to come.

At Jillian Dinkel, we specialise in heritage interior design, reimagining period homes with a balance of craftsmanship, elegance, and modern sensibility.