The Darling, Balmain

Please note that there is a house next door that is undergoing works to their house - this may or may not be a disturbance to you though we do like to ensure it is noted and mentioned to you for your stay.

Luxurious and character filled, The Darling is one of a kind. Located in the upscale but down-to-earth neighbourhood of Balmain, it combines beautiful period features with contemporary styling and comforts.

Please understand that this home is not able to welcome children under 10. Teenagers are more than welcome.

From the outside, the most obvious thing about this split-level home is the gorgeous sandstone of the exterior walls – it’s the iconic Sydney building material. Once you step inside it can be difficult to believe that you’re in a heritage house.

Interior renovations have transformed the circa 1858 property into something you might see on Grand Designs or read about it in an architecture magazine, preserving the hardwood floors and soaring ceilings while adding modern luxuries.

The ground floor is given over to living spaces, including a gorgeous, sunlit lounge area with fireplace. Even better is the stunning entertainer’s kitchen/dining with acres of bench space and top-of-the-line appliances, which opens onto a private courtyard. In summer you’ll want to keep the doors open all the time – this deck area is perfect for barbecues and family dinners with a retractable awning to keep you cool.

Upstairs you’ll find the sleeping quarters, with three spacious and bright queen bedrooms, the fourth bedroom is locked off and not accessible. There is an additional bathroom on each floor, plus laundry facilities. The Darling has air-conditioning on the bedroom level and vented aircon that can filter down through to the living room areas and ground floor, plus an amazing converted garage/rumpus room the kids will love.

What the owner loves
Balmain is one of the best places to live in Sydney, with its streets filled with elegant Victorian terraces, cosy pubs and bustling cafes. The main area of Darling Street is only a short walk away from The Darling, and the same goes for the ferry to the city – there’s no more spectacular commute in the world than this short voyage under the Harbour Bridge to Circular Quay.

What we love
The combination of contemporary and heritage elements in this home really is something special. The façade and the interior are equally stunning and Instagram worthy, but in such different ways. Still, amid the designer furniture and high-end styling, the best bits of the past have been preserved: the fireplace, the timber floors and the beautiful leafy tree presiding over the courtyard.

What the family traveller loves
Tweens and teens will love The Darling, mainly thanks to its garage-sized games room with a pool table and arcade machines. Multiple living spaces, including the courtyard, give everyone room to breath, but the opportunity to come together for family meals. There’s heaps to do in Balmain – harbourside parks are a stone’s throw away in every direction, and the attractions of the city are a short ferry ride away.

Bedding Configuration:
3 x Queen bedrooms - shared bathroom with shower and bath
1x vanity on the lower level with laundry room