Chris Warnes
Tastefulness and loveliness abound in the north shore Sydney home of Channel Seven presenter Mark Beretta, and his wife, Rachel. A blend of greenery and sandstone greets visitors and inside it’s a picture of understated elegance. The home is also a delight to the senses for Mark’s children, Ava, 12, Dan, nine, and Mark is happy to admit it’s all his talented wife’s work. “She’s really good at this stuff,” he says proudly before contemplating his own contribution, as a qualified engineer, to the recently completed renovation. “I made the kids’ soccer table upstairs.”
Of course, the man with one of the best smiles on television cuts himself short. After all, there is that special nook in his sunny open office near the home’s front door, which he can truly call his own. “I do have a small corner,” he says with a laugh, pointing to a filing cabinet topped with a collection of memories. The rest of his sporting memorabilia is currently in the attic.
Not that he is complaining. With her keen decorator’s eye, Rachel, a one-time account director, has created a functional home that works wonderfully for this busy family. Warm, welcoming greys mingle elegantly throughout and stunning artworks inject personality. Custom-made pieces add to the look and a dose of industrial chic provides a surprising match to the circa 1907 home. “This is probably our first adult home that we’ve had and I’ve gotten to the stage of knowing what really works for us,” says Rachel, who at times called on her interior designer friend Karen Batchelor from Batchelor Isherwood Interior Design to help bring her vision to life.
It seems the renovation of the home has unleashed a new-found passion for the couple. “The process is wonderful,” says Rachel. “It’s exciting, fun and great seeing how all the bits come together,” says Mark. Although this home “will always be a big part of us,” he adds, the couple has now sold and is keen to do it all again. And they agree there’s one non-negotiable must-have for their next home – a space for Mark and his sporting treasures. “In the next house he’s got to have a study where he can put all his stuff, and I can close the door!” says Rachel. Adds Mark with a smile: “One day…”
For more of our favourite celebrities’ homes, pick up a January issue of Home Beautiful. On sale now.
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