It has been extensively altered over its life with mixed results, however, enough charm remained for the owners to want to make it work for their busy young family. The renovation involved the untangling of the existing living areas through rationalising openings, connecting living spaces to one another and creating better connections to the garden beyond.

An extended elevated outdoor deck space, anchored by a fireplace, provides an entertaining space that enjoys the views and amenity of the established gardens and river glimpses. Perforated conical breeze blocks evoke the graphic language of original cast plaster ornament, and provide scalloped dappled light, ventilation and screening.

A new finish was applied to the floors and other additional elements (screens, mirrors, furnishings and sculptural lighting), creating an overarching design language that is sophisticated, comfortable, contemporary and, importantly, sympathetic to the original home. The classic material palette (notable finishes include American walnut, fluted glass and brass accents) complement the home’s original era while maintaining a contemporary feel.