When Claire and Tim bought the 1950s weatherboard in Melbourne’s north-east 11 years ago, its most positive attributes were the large parcel of land and its easy proximity to the neighbourhood village.
“The house itself was pretty basic and poorly insulated,” says Claire. “It had very few north-facing windows to the back garden, so the house felt dark. And we were all sharing one very small bathroom directly opposite the front door, so there was zero privacy,” she laughs.
A clever renovation has since transformed the cottage into an inspirational home that embraces organic style and sustainability.
From the outset, sustainability was a major focus with the property embracing an electric induction cooktop, reclaimed timber external cladding, passive solar design and ventilation to keep the home cool in summer and warm in winter.
Understated and beautifully earthy in style and finishes, the new version of the cottage heroes its raw materials. From the raked plywood ceilings and spotted gum flooring in the new wing to the terrazzo kitchen splashback, organic textures abound. Best of all, this is a light-drenched, environmentally conscious home that revels in its leafy surrounds.
“My decorating style is a bit pared back but obviously I love natural materials and surfaces,” says Claire.
The living and dining areas are now filled with natural light, opening the space up to the leafy backyard, which is made up of vegie beds, a mix of native and Mediterranean plants and of course, some friendly chooks.
“The kids will definitely see out their high school years here. I can’t imagine us leaving any time soon.”
