A New Industrial-Chic Surry Hills Stay Has Big New York Loft Energy

Inner-city stays are often characterised by their dimensions – sometimes the amount of space is more important than any of the other amenities. Stretching across 275 square metres, The Second proves that sometimes size does matter.

The short-term accommodation is one of five whole-floor apartments inside the heritage-listed former Edwards & Co tea factory on Foster Street, Surry Hills. Five-metre-high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and a lift that opens straight into the living room give the three-bedroom space – designed by architect Iain Halliday – a New York loft feel. 

Design is at the centre of every detail. An Isamu Noguchi Akari light installation hangs above a custom marble table, surrounded by 20 Ellison Studios chairs. “It’s the perfect place for long lunches and dinner conversations that stretch well into the evening,” co-founder and creative director Suzannah Garland says. 

Vintage Murano glass lamps are dotted throughout, while artworks showcase local talent, including pieces by Isadora Vaughan, Jody Graham, Chen Ping and Jorna Newberry. There’s also a curation of objects by Studio Garner, spotlighting some of the country’s most exciting designers. Travertine coffee tables by Tom Fereday, Henry Wilson lights and ceramics by Tanika Jellis.  

A stainless-steel chef’s kitchen offers plenty of space for guests to cook and host. They can even set the lengthy table with handcrafted glassware from Copenhagen brand Louise Roe and crockery by Australian industrial designer Marc Newson. Although, some of Sydney’s best restaurants are right on the doorstep – 40 Res, Pellegrino 2000, Nomad and Ace Hotel’s Kiln are within easy reach. There are also two AP Bakery outposts for Aleppo pepper scrolls and buttermilk croissants, Single O for coffee and mega sangas from Malibu.

Downstairs, a curved ground-floor bedroom fits a queen bed. Upstairs, the mezzanine houses two more bedrooms including a king master with an ensuite. 

Garland describes dusk as a “magical” time in the apartment. “As the city begins to wind down, there’s a gentle shift in atmosphere. The light softens, the building grows quieter and the city feels present but slightly distant.” 

The former warehouse safe has been transformed into a velvet-lined media room for cosy nights in. There’s also a study nook with a growing library, where guests are encouraged to leave a copy of their favourite book.

“Bought, thrifted or from their own collection at home – it’s a simple way to share ideas and passions, and a small way for each visitor to leave something of themselves behind,” Garland says.

Beyond short-term accommodation, The Second also offers creative residencies for established and emerging artists, to live and work in the space. Enquiries for residencies can be made via email. 

The Second
56-60 Foster Street, Surry Hills

thesecond.com.au
@the_____second