Timeless river style

A major renovation project has transformed this waterfront residence into a Hamptons-style haven that hits all the right notes

WHEN an interior stylist sets her sights on a major home makeover, the results are bound to be impressive.

And judging by the level of interest - both online and in person - for this Hamptonsstyle stunner, the renovation led by owners Michelle and Troy Bingham has hit the mark.

The original Mediterranean home at 34 Fitzwilliam Street, Carrara is unrecognisable after a 2.5-year project which saw the Binghams rebuild, extend and style every inch of the home.

“We gutted every single room, ripped up all the floors, walls, skirting, cornices and ceilings and started from scratch again,” said Mrs Bingham.

“The bones of the original home were good so we didn’t want to knock it down.”

“We also added on an extension which increased the size of the home by half again.” “It really looks like a brand new house.” Mrs Bingham drew on her skills as an interior stylist as well as taking inspiration from time in the US and the colonial influences of her native South Africa.

“We’ve spent a lot of time in America, because our sons are in university there, so we’re often visiting the Hamptons or the East Coast, West Palm Beach and Florida,” she said. “I’ve always loved the coastal look because we grew up on a beach in South Africa, where homes are both very colonial and coastal.

“So the coastal, colonial, classic look has always been my favourite. Hamptons and coastal make for a happy marriage.”

Located on the main river and within a short drive to the beach, the home enjoys unobstructed views of the river and the city skyline beyond.