Hood Terrace

Sorrento

Hollywood Builders had built Mr & Mrs Berney's last home six years earlier. They were so happy with the quality of the home and with John's approach to building that they insisted he build their new home in Sorrento.

The design of the home was completed by architect Bruce Jackson but the internal design and superb finishes can be credited to owners Meg Berney (an accomplished artist) and her husband Pat. This four-storey home has room for an art studio and workshop, four bedrooms and bathrooms, an open-plan lounge room, an office and a beautiful alfresco outdoor living area. Yet it is not imposing, instead exuding the grace and style of a southern European villa.

The large alfresco area was always intended as a central feature of the home, leading out to a beautiful waterfall garden. The "antique" limestone used to surround this garden was deliberately aged by chipping the rock, creating the feel of an older, established European garden. The decking was created using a nail-less system which avoids rust and maintains the beauty and integrity of the deck over many years.

Both in the garden and in the home, unique hand-made tiles were individually selected to give a specific look to an archway, a book shelf, a waterfall. The workmanship of the tiling was of course critical in showcasing these beautiful features effectively.

Double-glazed windows and doors, unusual for Western Australia, were installed throughout all floors in order to minimise noise from the busy road outside.

The builders did not have all of the fun, however: most of the ceilings throughout the home were actually installed by Pat Berney himself. These unusual painted pine tongue-and-groove ceilings are often found in houses in New Zealand, and the Berneys envisioned how well they would suit their home. Mr Berney was very keen to be involved in the physical construction of his home, so it was agreed that he would install these ceilings himself, with the help of a friend. The finished ceilings turned out beautifully and are a lovely addition to the home.

The Berneys are once again very pleased with how Hollywood Builders have created their dream home - so much so that they have kindly allowed us on several occasions to take new clients on a tour.

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