An Extraordinary Heritage Home Transformation

This stately Victorian farmhouse, built in the early 1900s, was one of the first homes ever built along Park Road. While this home has always been rich in history, it required a thorough, yet delicate restoration to revive it and return it to its former glory, while taking full advantage of the generous block of land on which it was situated.

We collaborated with Page Stewart on this project to transform what was formerly a tired, single-storey weatherboard home into a remarkable double-storey residence, with a full renovation and extension of the existing Victorian home.

Above all, we aimed to create a functional family home that fused the original heritage charm of the home with new, aesthetically appealing features and, it goes without saying, the luxurious necessities of home.

To achieve this, we maintained the strong Victorian bones of the home while stripping down the other elements of the residence. After that, we began the delicate process of rebuilding and restoring the residence using modern building methods and materials, prioritising energy efficiency and durability.

At the front of the home, we transformed the verandah and restored and replicated other heritage features, such as the grooves on the front porch and the fretwork with turned posts.

On the interior, we continued to reconstruct and restore those heritage features that were so crucial in maintaining the home’s heritage appeal, such as ornamental cornices, large skirtings, and architraves, as well as ornate ceiling roses and fireplaces.

This ensured the home remained as it always had been – brimming with originality and heritage character. We also restored the generous master bedroom with a walk-in-robe and ensuite, as well as reviving the original lounge area.

At the rear of the home, we created a full contemporary extension, with a pitched roof and painted recycled brickwork cladding to the ground floor as well as grooved cladding to the first floor. A curved feature chimney adorns the eastern side of the extension. Chimneys are a significant identifying feature in early Victorian architecture; therefore, this addition pays homage to the heritage character of the home, while the unique design gives it a modern twist.

Inside we created an extensive living area, which has become the heart of the new residence. This space features a polished concrete floor, exposed brickwork, a large American oak veneer kitchen, and layered Italian travertine stone.

The kitchen features high-quality appliances throughout, as well as a large island bench, an overhead skylight and lofty ceilings which help the area feel spacious and comfortable. Meanwhile, a fireplace and window seat in the living room bring a cosy, social atmosphere to the space, creating an area for the family to congregate in all seasons and enjoy their new home.

The home is designed with functionality in mind, with rooms flowing seamlessly and logically onto one another. Up the stairs are three bedrooms with a bathroom and separate lounge area, while the original roof has been converted to an attic space for additional storage. A skylight in the upstairs living area floods the space with warmth and sunlight, making it feel pleasantly capacious.

Outside the home, we accentuated the tranquil grounds of the home with the restoration of the winter garden. We created an effortless transition between indoors and out with the full landscaping of the exterior setting, and the outdoor style reflects and extends the interior styles of the home. A large custom pivot window directs the gaze through to the greenery to the outdoor pool and beyond.