A CHARMING RENOVATION THAT IS THE ENVY OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD.
The extensive renovation of this character-filled home, in Sydney’s leafy Upper North Shore, resulted in a spectacular transformation whilst retaining the home’s original charm.
The owners of this charming home in Lindfield needed more space as the demands of their growing children changed. The family loved the neighbourhood and wanted to spend many more decades welcoming friends and family into their home. A renovation was overdue and these clients wanted to get it right.
First, our remedial building team fixed waterproofing, drainage and damp problems that had arisen throughout the old home. The original fibro walls were removed and replaced with new Gyprock ones. In the 1980s, a small renovation had been undertaken. The client wanted these changes removed as they were inconsistent with the owner’s vision for the property and its historic charm.
The renovation of the front of the home generated much interest among the neighbours and local walkers who followed its restoration with bated breath. We were able to replicate many of the original features including the gabled roof and window embellishes. We were also able to reuse one of the original headlight windows whilst the others had to be reproduced as the frames were too rotten. Thankfully, the finished result received much praise from the locals who were happy to see this modern restoration retain the charm and character of the original architecture.
Part of this extensive renovation involved demolishing the back of the house so the kitchen and informal living / dining area could be extended. The huge entertainer’s kitchen, complete with a walk-in pantry, featured a large island bench, plenty of storage, chef’s stove, and bench seating. The laundry layout was reworked and renovated.
A new outdoor entertaining area was added with huge doors creating a seamless flow from the inside out to the all-weather deck. Skylights allow natural light to flood onto the covered balcony whilst heaters and ceiling fans make it an all-weather area that can be used year-round.
The new, second-storey addition comprised the master suite with ensuite bathroom and walk-in robe. Another bedroom was added here too.
The original formal lounge room was the only room that remained in its original state and location. In this room, we restored the original fireplace and other original features. Downstairs two other bedrooms remained.
Our team of expert cabinetmakers and carpenters created all the custom joinery featured throughout the home including the kitchen, pantry, wall units, staircase, wardrobes and bathroom vanities. This created a seamless consistency throughout the home whilst adding a unique ‘twist’ to each room by changing colours, handles or countertops.
Splashes of timber were also used to add warmth and provide focal points of interest.
The existing pool was renovated to include new tile surround. The old black aluminium pool fence was replaced with frameless glass. A second outdoor entertaining area was created featuring a large, wall-mounted TV and outdoor kitchen. The owners report that this is proving very popular with friends of their teenage kids who love hanging out here.
The exterior of the new addition was clad in 75mm thick Insulclad which was then rendered. This thick polystyrene product is light, easy to work with and has very good insulation properties. It also provided us with the perfect canvas to replicate the stucco exterior finish of the original house.
Renovation, extension and second storey addition summary
- Remedial work to fix waterproofing, draining and damp problems.
- Second storey addition featuring master suite, ensuite bathroom, walk-in-robe and fourth bedroom.
- Extensive downstairs renovation.
- Floors replaced with engineered Oak.
- Fibro walls removed and replaced with Gyprock.
- Sympathetic exterior restoration.
- New kitchen with walk-in pantry.
- All cabinetry and custom joinery.
- All bathrooms and laundry renovation.
- New timber staircase with integrated lighting.
- Restoration of internal and external features, where possible.
- Exterior painting, rendering and stucco finishing.
- Electrical rewiring. Installation of new light fixtures.
- New front fence and entry.
- Plantation shutters and wall furnishings.
- Pool restoration. Replace tiles and install new frameless glass fence.
- Gardening and landscaping.