DREAM IT. DESIGN IT. DO IT.

A bold and beautiful addition to a period house brings the garden in, delighting the family that calls it home

How do you turn a 1920s bungalow into a 21st century masterpiece? With skill, passion and patience

Good things come to those who

wait, as the saying goes, and that was certainly the case for Louise and Richard. Soon after settling into their four-bedroom house in Sydney’s inner-west in 2001, the couple began to contemplate a major renovation. But while the parents of two hoped they could one day transform their home’s poky family quarters into a light and airy space with an easy link to the outdoors, it took quite some time for their dream to become reality.

“We started seriously thinking about renovating in 2010,” says Louise. “Back then, there was an external laundry in an old lean-to out the back and the living areas were small.”

After arranging a meeting with Tanya Hancock of Hancock Architects, Louise and Richard began discussing their brief.

“We went back and forth a lot over the next few years,” says Louise, adding with a laugh, “Poor Tanya, she was so patient! But your ideas can change as you grow as a family, and I think we went ahead when it was the right time for us.”

In 2014, the couple finally gave Tanya the green light to proceed. The result is everything the family could have hoped for – and more.

“We’re just so glad we went ahead with the renovation,” says a delighted Louise. “It’s one of the best things we’ve done.”

“Prepare for the unexpected – the weather can play havoc when you’re renovating. When we started the excavation at the back, it rained heavily, causing a delay of about three weeks. But these things happen and there’s nothing you can do about it.” LOUISE, HOMEOWNER