Heritage listed for its streetscape, this 1920 Queen Anne Federation home sits among cathedrals, churches, mature trees and gardens. Original external features were preserved including leadlight windows and fretwork. Internally, there was a great deal of planning to create a modern flow while maintaining the original characteristics of the home.
The original floor layout was typical of a heritage federation home, one long hallway and lots of rooms. The bathroom/laundry was unusual. One entry point with two toilets, two separate showers, one vanity, one laundry tub, one large hot water unit and a safe. Changing this room to create a new family bathroom and a separate ensuite had a large impact on how the home worked and flowed. A European style laundry was incorporated into the kitchen plan.
Two walls and a small bathroom were removed to create an open plan kitchen, dining and family area, transforming the small dark rooms into a light, open contemporary space. Hampton inspired custom-built cabinetry, including a marble splashback, calacutta primo quartz benchtops and organic brass tapware were used to create a timeless kitchen. The kitchen flows onto the dining and family areas and outdoors to the new entertaining areas.
Vanities were custom-built to accommodate linen in both the bathroom and ensuite. Built-in wardrobes were installed in the three bedrooms and large window seat was built for storage and a relaxed place to sit in the sunlight. Large glass cabinets and buffets were bought for the lounge room in the traditional Hampton style to accommodate extra storage. With smart space planning and clever joinery, it makes life easier and more organised. All the daily clutter can now be concealed behind doors, so the house would feel well-ordered, allowing appreciation of good design and style.
This home is a fusion of quality, grace and a heritage charm. Timeless, elegance with crisp white paint and a neutral palette. All decorative high ceilings, architraves and skirts, leadlight windows and doors were restored and new brass pendant lighting were added in the traditional theme of the home.
Renovating a heritage home can be a challenging process to navigate due to heritage regulations and restrictions, but preserving a piece of history with authentic charm cannot be bought or built.