Interior designer architect Jonathan Richards sells Darlinghurst trophy home

Interior designer Jonathan Richards and his wife Olivia Benyon have sold their contemporary Darlinghurst home for $4.6 million.

It won a commendation in the 2018 Australian Interior Design Awards, with Richards acknowledging the project was very much a collaboration with his wife, Olivia Beynon.

Constructed in the 1890’s, the building saw a reworking by Promena Projects of the floor plan and rationalising of space to meet the modern needs of a young family of four, having lived in the space for some years before embarking on the renovation.

Located on West Avenue, it comes with a four bedroom house-like main residence plus two ground floor studio apartments.

There's private courtyard space plus roof terracing.

It was originally constructed as a two-level residence with a horse stable on the ground floor. 

Described by Richards as a “lovable mongrel”, the building through the years has had many different uses including a mechanic’s warehouse. 

It has been offered by BresicWhitney agents Shannan Whitney and Melinda Antella who suggest its design celebrates its industrial soul.  

The marble gas kitchen comes with Wastberg light fittings above the built-in leather banquette and oak kitchen table that make the hub for the family to gather. It is in lieu of a dining room.

The 1880s West Avenue property had a buyers' guide of $4.7 million.

Richards had been a director at SJB Interiors before setting up a new company, Richards Stanisich, with fellow SJB director Kirsten Stanisich last year.