Burke’s Backyard recently visited the Sydney home of Isabella and Jack Klompé. When the Klompés purchased the site it consisted of a Federation house and a plumber’s business with garages on the boundary. After bulldozing the garages, they extended and renovated the house with the help of architect Chris Elliott. Eighteen months later the work was complete. The building is spectacular in its colours, incredible in its design and one of the happiest and friendliest houses you will ever see.This inspirational property shows what can be done with resourcefulness and creative flair.

Outstanding features of the house

The exterior of the new addition has been painted in vibrant Porters colours, inspired in part by the Burke’s Backyard Mexican program which featured the resort at Costa Careyas. The inside of the house is painted just off-white and all the interior colour effects are achieved using paintings, sculptures and other works of art. The Klompés have a fabulous art collection and have supported young Australian artists for many years. Isabella thinks that it’s the paintings which really make the house come alive. She admits that if the house is ever sold the paintings will have to be sold too as they work as a whole. The bathroom (en suite) off the main bedroom has a sliding door which opens onto a small garden area, so you feel as if you’re showering outside. Everything in the house is computer operated: blinds, airconditioning, pumps, lights and alarms. Great care has been taken with the fine detail of the house. There are no straight walls or right angles, which Jack said drove the bricklayers mad. Even the floor to the library area has a slight hump in the floor boards.

The living/dining area

This opens to a courtyard where the Klompés spend most of their time in the evenings. It is paved with limestone and features bronze sculptures, unusual lights and a raised garden bed planted with leopard trees (Caesalpinia ferrea). The living area also opens to a pond with submerged lighting, which creates a spectacular effect at night when the ripples on the water are reflected on the walls.

Studio

Isabella operates her millinery business from the studio, which has a separate entrance adjacent to the front door. Her large clientele includes Gai Waterhouse and other racing celebrities, and she is particularly busy leading up to the Melbourne Cup. Isabella also has a shop in Double Bay.

Further information

Isabella’s hats are available form her shop:

Isabella Klompé
Shop 10, 20 Bay Street
Double Bay, NSW, 2028
Phone: (02) 9363 0822 Architect, Chris Elliott can be contacted on phone: (02) 9360 5377.