The result is a grand yet welcoming family home that celebrates its heritage character while integrating contemporary services and opening seamlessly to gardens on all sides.
The gardens function as outdoor living rooms. To the east, a cloistered terrace connects to the kitchen and dining room through large timber sliders and is defined by a pergola that echoes the rhythm and proportions of the original verandah. The space makes use of the major opening created on the side of the building in 2001 as an opportunity to create a strong connection with the outside. The restored verandah wraps to the west, meeting a raised off-white concrete pool that sits level with the deck, giving the impression of a floating, landscaped moat. Elongated concrete steps descend as though into water. The dark green Bisazza mosaic tiles evoke the atmosphere of a forest swimming hole.