Clean lines, open-plan design and refined luxury define our charming period home renovation in Brighton, located just a few kilometres from the beach. The original Edwardian home dates back to 1901 and was in disarray when the owners first approached SECON Constructions to undertake their heritage restoration.
The home was damaged from rising damp, wet rot, leaking roofs, scalding brickwork and sunken foots. The property had also been renovated many times over the years, which caused additional difficulty, as it was hard to discern what was the from the original home and what was the result of the numerous renovations.
The Design
Interestingly, the owner of this Brighton home was also the architect – Katherine Stewart from Page Stewart. This was Katherine’s childhood home, and she devised an exceptional, large-scale renovation plan, which involved a brand new layout, additional rooms and new windows, fences and roofing, among other elements. Katherine’s design embraces the home’s original heritage opulence, while infusing the space with a deftly modern and minimalist appeal.
The Build
The restoration process was incredibly labour intensive. The only original elements of the home retained during the build were the external red brick walls and lead lights in the front door. The SECON team had to strip back all the walls and replaster them. We also replaced all the ceilings, rebuilt the sub-floor and conducted an exhaustive refurbishment of the home, which saw us return original features including ornamental cornices, Victorian-style skirting boards, architraves and ceiling roses.
On the exterior of the home, we built a new roof with terracotta tiles, revitalised the brickwork with Tuck pointing and rebuilt the front porch. Inside, we laid American Oak floorboards and brand new 100% NZ carpet in the bedrooms. We also upgraded the kitchen with completely new, state-of-the-art appliances and marble stone benchtops.
The Results
The completed home is truly spectacular. It’s an elegant space full of rich history, which draws upon minimalist, contemporary design to achieve a carefree, easy feel.
When you enter Brighton House, you’ll be greeted by a number of living spaces (outfitted with French doors, these rooms could also double as a study or guest room!). The home has an effortless flow and features gorgeously-ornate curved bay windows, decorated to mirror the original lead lights on the front door. In these spaces, you’ll notice how seamlessly modern design has been fused with heritage elements. On these high ceilings, you’ll be able to marvel at ceiling roses and detailed architraves.
The main living, dining and kitchen space is slightly more modern than the front of the home, with white panelled walls, timber accents and a gorgeous limestone kitchen benchtop (a material that carries through to the bathroom and spacious ensuite). Upstairs you’ll find roomy, sunlit bedrooms outfitted with interior shutters. Each room features an abundance of custom joinery, which will provide much-need storage space for this young family.
The interiors are completely harmonious, with a soft, pastel colour palette informing the fixture and furnishings. Simplicity is broken up by striking pops of colour found in the artwork that adorns the walls.
Paying homage to its heritage roots, Brighton House is a perfect modern family home that we hope our clients can cherish for many years to come. If you’d like to see more of this architectural restoration, read the project feature on Hunting For George.
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Are you looking to undertake a restoration project on a heritage home of your own in Melbourne’s inner east or Bayside region? Get in touch with the expert team at SECON Constructions today.
