It’s been a difficult 12 months for families around the country and it was no exception for Guy Sebastian and his wife, Jules. And through all the turmoil, the musician, 39, and stylist, 41, found solace by spending quality time together in their breathtaking four-bedroom home at Maroubra, in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.
WATCH BELOW: Guy and Jules Sebastian dance to High School Musical
The couple, along with their young sons Hudson, 8, and Archer, 6, moved into the stunning property with expansive ocean views in 2019.
“There are still moments when Jules and I look at each other and ask, ‘Who are we?’” Guy tells WHO. “We feel very lucky. Neither of us grew up in a house like this.”
The couple, who fell in love as teenagers after meeting through a church group in Adelaide and tied the knot in 2008, purchased the land almost seven years ago, before knocking down the existing dwelling to build their dream home from a blank canvas.
It comes as no surprise that Guy, who is known for his wholesome values and dedication to his family, had them firmly in mind when he made the one extravagant purchase he has allowed himself since rising to fame as the winner of the inaugural season of Australian Idol in 2003.
“The kids were starting to run around and the dream was to have some land,” he says. “When I saw it online, I just jumped at it. It’s the biggest block in Maroubra.”
Working with architect Joe Snell, the couple spent five years putting together a home that was contemporary and stylish, yet practical and comfortable.
“The first thing [Snell] said was, ‘I’m going to build you a rockstar home, which is classy and also liveable,’ and he achieved just that,” Guy explains.
Today, the modern property boasts a custom-built recording studio, a tennis court, swimming pool, an elaborate open-plan kitchen perfect for entertaining, and a grand entrance hall with a piano in front of a statement spiral staircase.
“It’s really fun to start from scratch and make the design decisions,” explains Jules. Known for her impeccable taste, the popular media personality explains the pair chose to forgo professional help with the decor.
Instead, they devoted many weekends to visiting furniture stores so that “every piece” within their home would “tell a story”.
“We both love raw materials,” agrees Guy. “We wanted a lot of black, concrete, glass and clean lines.”As the coronavirus pandemic hit and the world changed, the family found that their haven had to pull double duty as it became a schoolroom for the boys, a gym and an office for Jules, who set out writing her first book, Tea and Honesty – which is set for release in March.
On top of the unfolding health crisis, Guy watched as the entertainment industry was thrown into turmoil while also dealing with a very public battle with his former manager, Titus Day – whom he parted ways with acrimoniously in late 2017.
Facing his darkest days, Guy says the “betrayal” allowed him to commence work on what has become the “proudest achievement” of his illustrious career.
“It opened me up raw to a place of vulnerability,” he explains.
The tough times led to the release of his latest album, T.R.U.T.H., back in October, which debuted at number one on the ARIA Albums Chart.
“I didn’t want to just do another album for the sake of it,” Guy reveals. “I wanted it to really mean something.”
His ninth studio album became something of a reckoning for the artist, who didn’t need to reinvent his sound but instead find it again after years of burying it.
“I back and trust myself now,” he says, following its success.
And his teenage sweetheart has been standing by his side through it all. The pair still seem as happy as newlyweds, despite being married for 12 years. Jules puts the secret to their lasting love down to communication and a great friendship.
“Our relationship isn’t perfect but I think our success comes down to the fact that we still really like each other,” she explains. “If something is wrong, Guy can’t go to bed without getting all his thoughts and feelings out and it’s something that I’ve learned is a better way.”
The couple, who have recently signed on as ambassadors for Nature’s Way Kids Smart, admit their priorities will always be their family and setting a good example for their boys.
“Always, but especially now we make our mental and physical health a priority for the family,” says Guy.
But with two active sons, Jules admits that being confined to home came with its challenges.
“It’s difficult to spend that much time stuck at home together, even when you all love each other,” she says.
The family got “inventive” by playing lots of board games and buying the boys their first bikes, so they could have an “adventure” but still socially distance.
As passionate mental health advocates who created The Sebastian Foundation to give back to the community, the pair have ensured their kids know they can approach them about anything after being touched personally by suicide.
“I always feel better when I talk about the things that are bothering me,” says Jules, whose brother took his life in 2008.
As their thoughts turn to a new year, Guy and Jules know everything won’t change overnight but they remain excited about the possibilities.
“I’m really looking forward to the upcoming season of The Voice and working with the new panel,” Guy explains of his new co-judges Keith Urban, Rita Ora and Jessica Mauboy. (They replaced his former colleagues Delta Goodrem, Kelly Rowland and Boy George.)
“I’m also looking forward to getting back on the road and performing again,” he adds of his T.R.U.T.H. Tour, which is scheduled for November and December.
For Jules, with her beautiful home and gorgeous family, there is only one other thing she needs.
“Health is wealth and if you have that you can get through just about anything,” she says.
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