This farm cottage, while enjoying a pleasant rural setting, was lacking in character and the basic form of the building (relocated to this property at the turn of last century) had been somewhat compromised by various “tacked on” and unsympathetic additions effected over the intervening century.

A need for general upgrade maintenance and the desire to install insulation to improve the internal environment was the catalyst for our clients to consider whether further alterations and additions to the layout might result in a dwelling which would better meet their family’s requirements.

Within the existing building envelope the general configuration was retained, but the children’s bedrooms were enhanced by the judicious removal of some walls and incorporation of storage spaces into the overall room areas. The master bedroom was extended to include an ensuite occupying the former entry porch/verandah and a new family bathroom replaced the former kitchen.

The existing living room was converted to a cosy snug centred round the updated existing fireplace. This space now connects to the new living room via double cavity slider doors which were given a special treatment in the form of custom designed leadlights. These leadlights feature a range of textured and bevelled clear glass balanced by restrained coloured inserts that echo the slightly stronger coloured glass used in the new entry door.

A new colour scheme inside and out and the upgraded kitchen and bathroom amenities have transformed a tired farm-house into a comfortable and well-appointed country residence.