Andrew O’ Keefe

Andrew O’ Keefe is the toast of Channel Seven these days with family quiz show hits Deal Or No Deal and more recently The Rich List. Also the host of  Sunrise on Sunday, the nephew of Australia’s first rock star Johnny O’ Keefe and one time lawyer admits that sitting still doesn’t suit him.

Working and living in Sydney the father of two youngsters (Barney and Rory) says his dream home would be by the sea in the Bronte or Bondi area.  A person who likes to entertain on and off set, he says that outdoor living spaces are as important to internal areas. “One of my personal favourites is to drag the telly into the backyard and have some friends over for an open-air cinema.”

“I think my wife, Eleanor and I need 1,000-sqm block so we can have a big garden with a path and a veggie patch - oh and a party patch - and a couple of solitary nooks,” added the 35 year old TV celebrity.

Archicentre RAIA architect Daniel Walton took on the job of creating the dream home for this entertaining entertainer and his family.

Having grown up on the beaches of Sydney the architect immediately saw the site as a sloping one allowing for a spilt level design that would take in the best of the sea views.
“Planning wise,” said Mr Walton, “this house has two wings or pavilions. The eastern one is a more traditional style with bedrooms and family areas, the western wing has a more open and modern form with the lap pool wrapping around living spaces at ground level.
 
“Connecting the two wings is a central atrium with stair well and kitchen acting as the hub of the house. “

With a known face and celebrity status, it was important to keep private time, private. “Even with my clients who aren’t well known personalities I like to form an entry point to the property,  instead of the design leading to the front door of a house from the front. It means the client has more privacy control,” said the architect.

In terms of ambience, O’Keefe said natural light, ventilation  and a solar passive design were musts.

“And we have to have plenty of wall-space for hanging artworks - and a mix of different types of  spaces - spaces for play and entertainment, and spaces for quiet contemplation.  Privacy is a big factor.”

The Seven host says ambience counts. “I'm a big fan of modern and modernist architecture -  and I love a mixture of materials from painted concrete to sandstone veneer to  timber to tiles to pebble Crete.  Depending on your viewpoint it's either an  inspiring  melange, or a dog's breakfast.”

The star said a three bedroom home with two bathrooms (“nothing too grand or flash,  but operating on a composting toilet system”) would serve his family but requested a guests suite. A  kitchen that flows into entertaining areas was on the brief – “because it means you can supervise the kids and take part in the  conversation as you cook. Eleanor is a super chef  and wanted an area be filled with natural light,  a bench  where the kids can sit and doodle or do their homework - just a space with well thought out mobility.”

A  study cum reading room was also noted. “Something crammed with books wall to wall with a couple of comfy chairs.  And I'd also need a large office to work which could double as a hobbies room, because my wife  loves to make clothes and I love to make music, so there's always pins and  instruments all over the place.”

A native garden was on the wish list “with the appearance of unstructured nature” viewed by the kitchen.

The biggest must by the host was a balcony: “I demand it!  I love to be able to stand out on a breezy day and watch the boats plying the waves.”

Mr Walton in his concept plans has ensured the ideal orientation of  north east were maintained from all living areas – “with smooth connections from living to outdoor areas and a combination of large open entertaining areas and more secluded courtyards. These  would be great on a warm summers day by the pool.” 

“I think the floor plan also provides good protection form the south easterly storms which ravage the eastern beaches in winter. 

“And best for Andrew is that the master bedroom balcony would provide a wonderful vantage point for watching the summer lightning shows.”

Story — Helen Crompton