Set in picturesque Nielsen Park, The Nielsen is a seamless blend of heritage elegance and contemporary coastal charm. The refined hospitality venue unfolds across three distinct spaces -The Kiosk, The Pavilion, and The Beach Club - each offering its own unique allure.
There's something quietly magnetic about a space that balances architectural heritage with contemporary coastal elegance. The Nielsen, nestled in the verdant embrace of Nielsen Park, achieves this rare harmony with understated confidence. Recently reimagined through thoughtful renovations in partnership with Larissa Leigh Interiors, this waterfront destination has emerged as a quintessential expression of Sydney's refined seaside culture.
We are particularly smitten with The Beach Club, where our custom Double Caspar umbrella in a beautiful burnt sienna now creates a signature visual moment against the harbour backdrop. Evoking a sense of nostalgia, The Beach Club captures the enduring charm of Australian coastal cottages while successfully embracing a more contemporary touch.
Larissa, working in collaboration with Perry Drakopoulos, cites the existing space as a huge source of inspiration - the original timber trusses, sandstone, and intimate cottage feel - hinting at how the space must have been originally intended.
The vision was to distill the essence of summer into a space that feels inviting year-round... to create an atmosphere of effortless elegance, where a relaxed seaside escape meets a refined social destination.
- Larissa Orso
I was drawn to how natural light interacts with textured, weathered materials, and there’s a subtle nod to vintage surf culture—warm timbers, sun-worn finishes, and the easy elegance of a neutral yet richly textured palette. Every material, colour, and detail was carefully considered to strike the perfect balance between laid-back luxury and understated sophistication.
- Larissa Orso
It's this attention to detail that elevates The Nielsen's three distinct spaces - The Kiosk, The Pavilion, and The Beach Club - each offering their own architectural dialogue with the surrounding landscape.
The interplay of materials is a masterclass in casual elegance; everything feels intentionally undone yet beautifully curated. The seamless transition from sand to crazy paving to the original timbers of the cottage portion create a natural flow, while the stone-clad walls, though newly added, feel as if it was uncovered rather than constructed.
For Sydney Restaurant Group Director, Perry, The Neilson and by extension The Beach Club, are an expression of his family's legendary hospitality.
The Beach Club is for those seeking privacy without pretension - whether it’s a chic wedding, a vibrant birthday bash, or a laidback celebration with friends. It’s a place where every detail feels intentional but unpretentious, celebrating both the area's natural beauty and the art of gathering.
- Perry Drakopoulos
Interior Design: Larissa Leigh Interiors and Studio Drak
Editorial Styling: Shantala Mack
Architecture: BJB Architects
Photography: Anson Smart
Client: Sydney Restaurant Group
