Creative freedom Carly and Leighton showcase their latest reno
THE LATEST RENO FROM HOUSE RULES SEASON ONE WINNERS CARLY AND LEIGHTON MIGHT JUST BE THEIR BEST YET
WHO LIVES HERE? Carly and Leighton, who won the grand prize in House Rules season one, and their son Bruce, now 11 months old. LOCATION: Adelaide, SA. ORIGINAL PROPERTY: An early 1900s two-bedroom villa with some unsightly add-ons and rendering. “I would almost say it was uninhabitable,” says Leighton. “You could see the potential in it, but it was pretty rough.” TIME FRAME: 15 months from planning approval to completion. WHY THIS HOUSE? “The location was what drew us in. We found it to be quite an affordable buy for this area, considering that it was on a corner block with rear access,” says Carly. “Everything is so close, you can walk everywhere – to the shop, the beach or a cafe,” adds Leighton. WHY THE RENO? “After House Rules, we really just wanted to sink our teeth into something for ourselves,” says Carly. “It was nice to do something we wanted to do, without thinking about judges’ scores or resale value. We just did what we wanted!” MUST-HAVES? “A massive wardrobe in the main bedroom,” says Carly. “Her wardrobe space was critical!” agrees Leighton. THE WORKS: The existing home was completely gutted and extended, with a second storey built on top. “We left the front facade, some interior walls and a little porthole at the entry with stained-glass windows,” says Carly. Adds Leighton, “We didn’t keep much of the old house because it’s very hard to have a modern home paying homage to the original house. Not many people get that right.” BUDGET-BREAKERS: “There were a few splurges, but we could always justify it,” says Leighton. “The bluestone wall in the ensuite was probably the biggest one. Carly had to have this feature wall in the bathroom – she insisted. We even tried to talk her out of it, but that was just what she wanted! It was definitely worth it in the end, though.” FAVOURITE ASPECT? The abundance of natural light, thanks to the Velux skylights the couple installed throughout the house. “That’s the biggest feature of the house, I think,” says Leighton. “The natural light is unbeatable.” While the little family originally intended to make this chic abode their forever home, the adventure-seekers have had a change of plan. They have sold up to travel Australia in a motorhome, built by Leighton - a new stage on their life’s journey.