Sydney's most famous architect, Harry Seidler, designed this striking small house (1950) for his mother and father, Rose and Max. It’s a modernist gem, with free-flowing open spaces, retro colour schemes and hip furnishings. Every year the Historic Houses Trust holds a Fifties Fair (usually in August) on the grounds.

The house is around 30km north of the city and around 3.5km from Turramurra train station. The 575 bus from the train station gets you close.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Sydney attractions

1. Kalkari Discovery Centre

3.08 MILES

The Kalkari Discovery Centre, halfway between the Mt Colah entrance to the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and Bobbin Head itself, has displays and videos…

2. Bobbin Head

3.55 MILES

This lovely section of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park has two entrance points joined by a road that snakes through glorious bushland down to Cowan Creek,…

3. Lane Cove National Park

5.62 MILES

This lovely park, surrounded by North Shore suburbia, flanks the Lane Cove River, which spills into the harbour. It's a great place to stretch out on some…

4. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

5.82 MILES

A spectacular mix of sandstone, Australian bushland and tranquil water vistas, this 14,928-hectare park forms Sydney’s northern boundary. It’s located 20…

5. Koala Park Sanctuary

6.02 MILES

This suburban park is a little unkempt but allows you to get to know some native animals. Petting and feeding kangaroos and wallabies is a highlight, as…

6. Clontarf Beach

9.19 MILES

A long, low-lapping elbow of sand with bobbing yachts offshore, pretty Clontarf is popular with families, and has grassy picnic areas and a cafe.

7. Narrabeen

9.24 MILES

Immortalised by the Beach Boys in 'Surfin’ USA', long, spectacular Narrabeen is hard-core surf turf – get some experience before hitting the breaks. Not…

8. Collaroy

9.32 MILES

Collaroy generally has smaller waves, making it good for surfers learning their trade. There are cafes, a…