Progressive design, in perfect context.

Conceived, constructed and developed by Gforce Developments, the brand-new five-bedroom residence is the work of George Abikhalil, who approached the project with a clear ambition: to create something contemporary yet deeply anchored to its setting. “When we began the design phase of 1 Church Street, our vision was to create a luxury home that respected Lilyfield’s established character while still presenting something refined, fresh, and forward-thinking,” George says.

That duality - contextual yet progressive - is what gives the home its quiet confidence. The generous 9-metre frontage and perfect north-to-rear orientation establish an immediate sense of scale, while the low-maintenance 392sqm block ensures the experience remains effortless. Behind the striking façade, the interiors unfold in a sequence of softened architectural gestures: curved thresholds, sky-lit passages, sculptural stairs and beautifully resolved living zones that balance intimacy with openness.

George speaks of the site’s proportions as a gift. “The site itself is quite generous for the area, and the rear garage with private driveway gave us the opportunity to design a home that feels both substantial and private,” he says. That sense of privacy is felt most powerfully at the rear, where stacking glass dissolves the boundary between interior and exterior. Travertine-paved alfresco spaces, an integrated outdoor kitchen and a heated pool sit within a courtyard that feels at once serene and highly social - a true extension of the home’s entertaining ability.

Yet what makes the design memorable is its restraint. Rather than layering luxury for luxury’s sake, George and his team focused on materials that would deepen with age. “Our selection of finishes was driven by a desire to create a timeless, understated luxury that will age gracefully,” he explains. “Natural stone and marble feature prominently throughout the home, chosen for their uniqueness and enduring appeal. Paired with custom timber joinery, these elements create a sense of depth, texture, and quiet sophistication.”

A larger, more traditional gas fireplace anchors the main living zone, bringing warmth and familiarity to the otherwise sleek architectural envelope. “A lot of the design decisions were influenced by our own experiences of home - how spaces are used, shared, and lived in,” George says. It’s this lived understanding that balances emotional effects with design intelligence: the oversized butler’s pantry tucked discreetly behind the marble kitchen, the study that can flex as needs evolve, the second living zone that allows family life to expand and contract with ease.

Technology, too, has been embedded not as novelty, but as atmosphere. A fully integrated C-Bus system manages lighting, climate, security, audio-visual and blinds from a single platform, future-proofing the home without ever overwhelming it. “The key focus was simplicity and seamless integration,” George says. “It’s designed to elevate comfort, efficiency, and security in a way that feels effortless.”

His best-loved detail is telling. “One of our favourite features is the ‘Goodnight’ mode, which gently dims the lighting, closes the blinds, and transitions the home into a calm evening setting.” It’s a moment rooted in ritual rather than performance.

And perhaps that is what makes this Lilyfield home so compelling. It understands the cadence of family life: the school mornings, long lunches by the pool, late-night conversations around the outdoor kitchen, the quiet satisfaction of a house that anticipates your next move. George describes Lilyfield itself as offering “a rare balance that is increasingly hard to find in the Inner West,” citing its tree-lined calm, village culture and easy access to the CBD, Bay Run and neighbouring hubs like Balmain and Rozelle.

For its future residents, the promise of effortless living is simple but profound. In this house of curves, light and considered luxury, every line bends gently toward living well.

View the listing: 1 Church Street, Lilyfield