Introduction

Designed around 1960 by Nino Sydney for Lend Lease, The Beachcomber Mark II is iconically Australian not just in its open-plan, relaxed layout and access to outdoors but also in the democratic ethos by which it came into being. It was priced so that, for the first time, architectural design would be within reach of the masses – the cost of a Beachcomber was estimated to be equivalent to that of two family cars. Examples of this modernist house, sold over the counter at a department store, could once be found in suburbs and beachside locations in far-flung parts of the country. Over the years, many have been demolished or drastically altered; few remain in original and/or good condition. Arguably one of the best examples can be found in the village of Faulconbridge, on a large block overlooking a canyon in the Blue Mountains National Park. In poor condition when they bought it, the owners tracked down the architect, Nino Sydney, and worked with him to restore their Beachcomber Mark II to its original condition – the result is authentic but not precious; liveable and not a museum. For this sensitive work, they were awarded a National Trust Heritage Award for Conservation and Built Heritage in 2015.