This dilapidated ex-rental property was to be put up for sale or dramatically renovated. Thankfully, the market-savvy homeowners chose the latter.
There comes a time in every home’s life when it requires a major overhaul. For this solid-brick 100-year-old home in Victoria’s Elsternwick, that moment had arrived. “The house had fallen into a state of disrepair, with significant drainage problems, and mould was prevalent throughout,” says Tamara Tsarouhas, a qualified interior designer from Studio Tamara. “The garden had become an overgrown mess.”
Of course, this state of disrepair did not happen overnight. The house had been owned within the one family for many decades and, in more recent years, had been used as an investment property. “The rental income could not justify the large capital expenditure required to fix the problems and keep the house liveable, let alone desirable,” recalls Tamara. As a result, the homeowners faced a challenging decision: dramatically update or sell the house as it stood.
“The owner was a registered builder with extensive experience in the commercial property and construction industry, and recognised the house’s potential both in terms of the character of the old facade as well as the opportunity to upgrade the home to be more fitting in terms of Elsternwick’s rapidly improving profile as a desirable suburb,” continues Tamara. With the owner’s background being so relevant, as well as the prime potential of the property, the decision was made — and the renovation began.
Respect for the heritage of the home was important to the homeowners, and with the building having such an interesting history, it’s no wonder. During the renovation, spent bullet cartridges were discovered in the ground, but considering the building’s history as an old police station, it’s perhaps not so surprising.
Retention of the original facade was critical but not without its challenges. “From a construction point of view, there were significant structural challenges associated with keeping the old walls standing. This was especially so when unexpected ground water was encountered while excavating for the building’s foundations,” Tamara says. “The tall front wall, along with the structural propping of the old walls, occupied most of the space around the sides of the building, making construction of the structure a significant technical and logistical challenge.”
Inside, the home underwent a complete transformation. The project included the demolition of the building from behind, creating a modern family home that utilises high-quality finishes and fixtures everywhere you look. The footprint of the new house followed the old, with a generous space to the north of the house left for landscaping and large glass windows generously located throughout, allowing for maximum natural light and connection to nature. Extensive skylights were also used to again keep that beautiful light flowing and enhance the ambience in each room.
One highlight of this property is the expansive open-plan kitchen/living/dining area that opens out onto the north-facing undercover alfresco area. With doors that slide wide open to allow for airflow and easy passage, the line between indoor and outdoor living is blurred.
The kitchen itself is a study in professionalism. High-quality finishes are used throughout, including soft-close hinges and drawer runners, and the contrast of materials and colours chosen adds a dynamic element. “Light and dark timber cabinetry, natural stone benchtops, and black and brass hardware add layers to the space,” says Tamara. She adds that inspiration for the concept was taken from the earthy textures and tones of Melbourne riverbanks and landscapes. This creates a kaleidoscope of rich colours and materials that complements the view of the garden beyond.
Continue your exploration downstairs and you will come across another highlight of this property. “The ground-floor powder room is a stand-alone showpiece with black herringbone floor-to-ceiling tiles contrasting with brass tapware and a feature brass pendant,” explains Tamara.
These weren’t the only rooms to receive the makeover treatment. There are five updated bedrooms, including a master bedroom upstairs with a large walk-in robe and ensuite, and a second “guest” master suite downstairs, also including walk-in robe and ensuite. These bathrooms repeat the use of marble and light timber for cohesion, with accent colours added to the guests’ and kids’ bathroom for “an element of surprise”.
Outside, the local inspiration continues. The side of the house is peppered with large rounded tiles that look like oversized skipping stones from a riverbank. There’s something delightfully whimsical about this path that draws the guest from the home into the garden to explore and delight in the natural surrounds, including the retained space to the north of the property.
Respect for the environment was considered with the use of Weathertex, the cladding material, which has a better-than-zero carbon profile. Maximisation of solar light and insulation that went over and above code also helps reduce the need for excess use of heating and cooling. “There was also significant attention to detail in construction to ensure gaps were sealed, keeping air leakage to a minimum, thereby reducing heating/cooling requirements,” says Tamara.
The result is a home with an impressive historic facade that is ready for modern living once you step through the doors.
Words Lauren Clarke Photography Impress Photography
This article originally appeared in Home Design #25.3 – subscribe here.