12 incredible Australian homes that were made for gatherings

Beyond the oversized, heavyset timber door of this house on Sydney’s Northern Beaches is a tranquil compound that could be mistaken for a resort but is, in fact, a serene family home – a place guests and kids alike can enjoy.

A study in contrasts, this architectural home on Sydney’s Northern Beaches moves effortlessly between contained and open spaces, offering the perfect entertaining area where family and friends can relax while watching the kids play in the backyard and swim in the pool.

In 2019, owners Michael and Sharôn asked the architects at CM Studio to create this breezy, Palm Springs showpiece where they could entertain year-round. “We wanted the space for us all to have friends dropping in with ease,” says Michael. “Simple and pared-back, but also warm and inviting, nostalgic and retro but also very comfortable.”

Step into Stephanie Conley Buhre’s former home and there are myriad inviting spots throughout: a formal dining room with a glossy round table and cane chairs, a loggia with oversized armchairs, a serene living area with cream lounges and an emerald chaise, and a lively casual dining space with a marble table and Hoffmann chairs. Beyond that, a pink-and-green casual living room offers comfort and stunning views of Sydney Harbour. But the most captivating seat is at the kitchen island, where the real show unfolds.

The vintage interior of Seymour House in the NSW Southern Highlands is full of antiques and hidden corners for guests to enjoy, but the real entertaining occurs outside where an expansive deck takes in views of the surrounding countryside.

When it came to purchasing this property in Sydney’s Inner West, the owners appreciated the site’s original heritage dwelling but it was the potential offered by the sprawling land size that really sealed the deal. In addition to a tennis court behind the house, there were 660 square metres of extra land to play with. “Having the open-plan living area with direct views to the backyard really sets the social tone when guests are entering,” says Madeleine Karrys of MXM Design Studio.

When interior designer Sally Wilkins was engaged to work on this property in the Southern Highlands of NSW, the client’s first question surprised her – “Can you make the house feel smaller?” Not a common request, says Sally, as most clients are looking to expand the feel of their home. “The owners wanted to convert it from a kid-friendly family home to a sophisticated residence where they could entertain friends and family in style for the next chapter of their lives,” says Sally.

A refined layout and seamless indoor-outdoor flow give the owners of this beachside home in Sydney what they’ve always wanted. “We’ve really maximised the space,” says the owner. “We wanted a beautiful entertaining area — which is exactly what we got!”

The owners of this two-storey family home in Sydney’s eastern suburbs are the proprietors of two renowned fine-dining establishments in the Sydney CBD, and one is a chef who trained at a Michelin restaurant in France. It’s no surprise that their expansive four-bedroom house has been seamlessly designed for gracious living and entertaining.

When Kate and Andrew bought this Federation semi in 2009, they were seduced by the generous yard and the swimming pool, perfect for their active daughters, Poppy and Rosie, then aged five and three. The brief? “Both Kate and Andrew love to entertain,” says designer, Kristie Rumble. “They wanted an unpretentious home with a practical kitchen and a bench for six people to gather around, but also cosy for just the two of them.”

With a vision of ‘Cali Cool’ style, light-filled open-plan living and entertaining spaces, warm soft tones, organic textures – and a beautiful new swimming pool – are all woven into the design of this recently renovated California bungalow on Sydney’s North Shore. The owners, who have three children, bought the house in 2019, and had two main requests before handing the keys to the Three Birds Renovations team of Bonnie Hindmarsh, Lana Taylor and Erin Cayless: more space and a swimming pool.

With its generous proportions and panoramic views over the district to the city skyline this house on a corner block in Sydney’s Hunters Hill ticked all the boxes for the empty-nester purchasers. Wishing to create a home that evoked the feel of an apartment without actually living in one, they were attracted by its panoramic views to the water and Sydney’s Anzac Bridge and the glamorous spaces that were made for entertaining.