51ÂÒÂ×

Find a property
Find a property
Find a property

From modern apartments to character country houses, start the journey to your dream home.

Sell or let
Sell or let
Sell or let

As local experts with global reach, we’ll help you find the right buyer or tenant for your property.

Services
Services
Services

We offer a full range of property-related services. From financing to interiors, we’ve got you covered.

People & offices
People & offices
People & offices

Our team of more than 20,000 people operates across 600 offices in over 50 markets around the globe.

Insights
Insights
Insights

Delve into our publications and reports for lifestyle trends and on-the-pulse market knowledge.

Inside Jamie Durie’s sustainable home in Sydney’s Northern Beaches

Fusing nature, design and technology, Belah House embodies the future of luxury living, one that nurtures both the planet and personal wellbeing

29 August 2025

2 mins read

Inside Jamie Durie’s sustainable home in Sydney’s Northern Beaches

For today’s high-net-worth individuals, health and wellbeing have become the ultimate form of wealth. More than just a passing trend, this mindset is here to stay. According to 51ÂÒÂ×’s Next Generation Survey - a global study of affluent individuals aged 18 to 35 - in the , the highest earners place health at the top of their priorities.

For Jamie Durie, the award-winning Australian landscape designer, environmentalist and charismatic television host, this philosophy runs deep. His passion for sustainable living finds its purest expression in Belah House, the home he designed and built on the tranquil shores of Stokes Point in Sydney’s Upper Northern Beaches, which recently came to market. 

6 bedroom house for sale in 189 Riverview Road, Avalon Beach, Australia

6 bedroom house for sale in 189 Riverview Road, Avalon Beach, Australia. Price on application

“Jamie has been very intentional in his design philosophy - every specification was chosen to ensure the home is as safe and healthy to live in as possible,†describes James Baker, Director at McGrath Pittwater. “Buyers will genuinely feel - physically - the health benefits of living in a home that supports better sleep, better air quality and lower stress levels. It’s rare to find a house that actively improves your wellbeing. This is one of them.â€

“The truly unique nature of this property makes it an exceptional investment opportunity while offering an unparalleled lifestyle,†says Adam Ross of Head of International & Private Clients, McGrath.

A sustainable masterpiece built for modern-day living

Durie’s journey began in 2015, when he acquired the circa 1,000 sq m site in Avalon Beach. What followed was a five-year quest to perfect the design, drawing inspiration from the sculptural recycled concrete of a Sydney mosque, while meticulously researching and sourcing environmentally responsible materials and construction methods. He documented the extraordinary journey in the series Growing Home, broadcast on Australia’s Channel 7.

Completed in 2025 and designed in collaboration with Silvester Fuller Architects and Durie Design, the result is nothing short of remarkable: eco-driven, innovative and deeply connected to its surroundings. “This unique Australian architecture is a house without a roof - as every rooftop is embedded with lush native landscapes. View the house from any angle and you will see a series of cascading gardens tumbling elegantly down to the water’s edge,” explains Baker.

Clad in beautiful Sydney sandstone and enveloped by Durie’s signature vertical garden system, the home quite literally merges with its environment - a serene setting defined by privacy, tranquility and sweeping views across the vast bushland of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

Building an eco-friendly home from the ground up

The home redefines the concept of indoor–outdoor living. Interior gardens frame the dramatic double-height main living area, while a custom-designed staircase, crafted from FSC-certified spotted gum, reflects the meticulous attention to sustainability in every detail. The room leads out to a zero-chemical infinity pool, offering benefits to both the environment and personal wellbeing.

Every comfort has been thoughtfully considered. The Wellness Centre features state-of-the-art fitness equipment, a dry sauna, and a steam room, while a Control4 home automation system and a dedicated home cinema showcase the seamless integration of technology throughout. Meanwhile circadian rhythm lighting gently supports the body’s natural 24-hour cycle, enhancing rest and rejuvenation.

A focus on reusing, recycling and energy efficiency

A tour of the home reveals a story at every turn. Carpets woven from recycled fishing nets, blinds crafted from reclaimed ocean plastics, and sustainably sourced, energy-efficient hydronic heated floors speak to an unwavering commitment to responsible design. Even the very fabric of the building reflects this ethos - insulation batts made from recycled glass and concrete engineered to reduce carbon emissions by up to 75 percent ensure that sustainability is built into the home’s core.

The estate is designed to be almost entirely energy independent, paving the way for off-grid living. The residence sits on seven geothermal probes, sunk 120 metres into the earth to harness ground temperatures for efficient heating and cooling throughout the home. Complementing this system are 42 solar panels and a 20kW Skybox solar system, providing abundant renewable energy. In addition, a 50,000-litre rainwater storage system and greywater recycling network ensure that every drop of water is captured, reused and conserved.

An elevated lifestyle in Pittwater

Living in Pittwater on Sydney’s Upper Northern Beaches, offers a blend of relaxed coastal elegance and vibrant outdoor lifestyle culture, with the home well placed to enjoy the best of the area. “There are world-class surf beaches, calm estuaries, bushwalks in nearby national parks, and a plethora of cafés and restaurants that cater for every taste,†adds Baker.

“Because the area also features high-quality schools, a strong community feel and environmental awareness, many choose to live here long-term rather than just as a holiday spot. The result is a lifestyle that feels both laid-back and premium - tranquil yet full of things to do.â€

For more information, please reach out to James Baker or Adam Ross:

James Baker 
Principal
McGrath Pittwater
+61 421 272 692
Jamesbaker@mcgrath.com.au

Adam Ross
Head of International & Private Clients
McGrath
+61 409 663 051
AdamRoss@mcgrath.com.au

Similar articles

Get in touch

Thank you
for getting in touch

A member of our team will be in touch with you as soon as possible to discuss your enquiry.

We look forward to speaking with you soon.

We take the processing and privacy of your information very seriously. Your data is collected and used in accordance with our terms and conditions and global privacy policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.

Sorry!
An unexpected error has occurred.

Please try again later.

Sending your message...
Sending your message...