A rare combination of inner-city living at an oceanside location, owned by prominent Newcastle artists James Drinkwater and Lottie Consalvo, has hit the market.
The couple's 1830s terrace at 24 Parnell Place in Newcastle East is listed with Kate Rundle at Walkom Real Estate.
The property is one-of-a-kind, with distinctive features throughout the home that reflect the couple's creativity and individuality.
Ms Consalvo and Mr Drinkwater purchased the property almost five years ago, enlisting architect Anthony St John Parsons to oversee their vision for the home to create a terrace with open-plan living spaces.
The design allowed for the compact space to accommodate three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an adjoining lounge, dining and kitchen that links to the external courtyard.
A sandstone cavity in the basement is ideal as a wine cellar or entertaining area.
"The mission statement was to make something classic, something for the ages so we, along with the architect, were compelled to create a home that provided not only great livability but also a home full of possibility, surprise and curiosity," Ms Consalvo said.
"It also has many rooms and nooks for people to get away from one another whether it be to draw, read a book or watch a film."
Features include a hand-painted ceiling mural created by Drinkwater, custom joinery by local artisan Geordie Malone, hand-made bronze handles, a bespoke welded steel door and brass doors that once fronted the lifts at Sydney's State Theatre.
"It is also unique in the sense that we are quite elevated and our deck has this great aspect of all the old terraces and chimneys. It's very village-y, like parts of Europe," she said.
"The sunsets off both of the decks are incredible and to watch the sun fall behind the T&G building during winter or summer is something truly extraordinary."
The couple cited the close proximity to the Cowrie Hole and Newcastle Beach as inspiration for the home's Italian name, Fronte Oceano.
"You are constantly reminded of your relationship with the sea," she said.
"It is a cinematic life up here."
Although the home is special to the family, and Ms Consalvo admits that it will be "hard" to leave, the couple chose to sell to fulfill their dream of living and working under one roof.
"We have always had a dream of living and working in one space so we are selling both our home and warehouse and pursuing this dream," she said.
"This comes with mixed emotions as our time on Parnell Place has been the stuff of mythology. We have poured so much of ourselves and our art into this home."
Ms Consalvo said the property is perfectly positioned to cater to both inner-city living and those wishing to reside by the ocean.
"We are right by the sea and surrounded by beautiful green spaces, yet you are right in the city so you have all that access to bars, restaurants and culture whilst still feeling quite secluded," she said.
"It really does not get better."
The house is for sale with a price guide of $1.6 million.
