In a quiet corner of Marrickville, creativity and family life coexist in a home shaped by celebrated Australian artists Sally Anderson and Guido Maestri. Once a blank canvas, this renovated and extended red-brick residence has become an inspired Inner West retreat—a reflection of its owners’ artistic sensibilities and love of nature and family.

“For me, the most important renovation wasn’t structural—it was planting trees,” shares Guido, whose artistic accolades include winning the 2009 Archibald Prize. “It was the first thing I did in the completely empty backyard. Six years later, I built a treehouse for our son, August, in one of those trees. That’s been the most rewarding addition to this house.”

The backyard, now lush with tropical and native plantings, is where much of family time unfolds. Awash with sunshine, it features edible gardens nestled in raised brick beds that line the property. Overlooking this green retreat is an alfresco space with a built-in BBQ—an ideal setting for relaxed meals and gatherings.

“Sunny mornings, barefoot picnics, and watching our son play in the treehouse are some of our favourite memories,” Sally reflects. “When the sunlight filters through the trees, dappling the yard, it feels like life at its simplest and most joyful.”

Inside, that same sunlight streams through the single-level home’s free-flowing spaces. Tasmanian Oak floors, high ornate ceilings, and a spacious, open-plan layout create an inviting backdrop for everyday life. From the dining area to the multiple living zones, each space flows into the next—a fitting backdrop for the couple’s ever-evolving art collection.

Unsurprisingly, art takes centre stage here, adorning nearly every wall, including in the hallway leading to the four bedrooms, between and around stained glass windows, and in the light-filled living room with French doors opening to the outdoors.

“Most of the art we own has been swapped or gifted by friends,” Guido explains. “There’s a constant rotation as pieces come and go, which keeps the house feeling alive and lived in.”

Despite their creative achievements, Sally and Guido’s home isn’t defined by grandeur but by its livability and adaptability. The kitchen, with its marble benchtop and ample storage, caters to the demands of family life. Meanwhile, the detached rear studio, currently serving as a private artist’s retreat, offers a flexible space that can transform into a lock-up garage or workshop.

“We bought this home from a family who raised generations here,” says Sally. “It’s been the perfect family home for us, and I hope it becomes the same for whoever comes next.”

View the listing here: 39 Neville Street, Marrickville