A beautiful blend

An original California bungalow provided the perfect opportunity for a Bendigo couple to create a family home that combined some things old and a lot of things new.

By Sue Turpie - Photography by Leon Schoots

Situated behind mature oak trees along one of Bendigo’s central streets, this stylish California bungalow has been beautifully redeveloped, holding onto the best of its history while adding in the best of today. Past the established hedges that line the boundary of the property, is the traditional front porch with patterned tiles and Art Deco inspired pillars. The exterior of the home features scalloped wooden veneer tiles underneath the two front windows, as well as both rendered and wood panel finishes. The main entrance and façade also boast original leadlight windows, while the black roof tiles and door trims provide an eye-catching contrast of colour that continues throughout the interior. Stepping inside, the true expanse of the property becomes apparent with a generous hallway, complete with dark stained hardwood floors, leading past the improved original rooms to the modern open-plan living space. Inside the front entrance is the formal lounge room, carpeted and complete with gas log fireplace and sculptural light fitting. Opposite is the main bedroom, which makes use of the original generous proportions but also has the addition of a walk-through wardrobe and ensuite.

Builder Davin Bake and property valuer Amy Fox, while aware of the necessity of buyer appeal, developed and decorated their property with an overarching aim; to make it a home that a family could live in and enjoy. It was an aim achieved in abundance, and while elements of their personality can be found throughout, the thought and consideration put into the planning and execution make it a home anyone could imagine themselves living in. Along the hallway is a glass panel on the floor looking down into a cellar, which also serves as a cocktail bar. There are another two bedrooms, spacious and sleek, one with a built-in robe and the other with a walk-in robe. Making the most of the space, extra storage has also been included. The couple kept what they could from the original house, with floorboards from the bedrooms used in the hallway, but the plaster and floorings throughout had to be replaced and insulation and modern additions included to ensure quality and comfort. In keeping with the home’s Art Deco inspired heritage, the ceiling roses and cornices adorn the bedrooms and formal lounge. While the house could aptly be described as understated elegance, the couple wanted every room to have a feature, whether a skylight or fireplace, as well as being spacious. The block measures some 602 square metres and as the dwelling could only take up 65 per cent of the land, the couple worked within strict parameters while still doubling the amount of living space. The large unused land at the rear of the home provided room for the addition of an incredible open living area that is as impressive as it is practical, with polished concrete floor and floor-to-ceiling windows making the most of the available natural light. It’s the perfect

space to relax as a family or spend time with friends. The attention to detail is evident with beautifully finished surfaces, fittings and furnishings such as the stone bench tops by local company VStone. The VStone Design team worked closely with Davin and Amy to select a stone that would complement the overall design aesthetic of their renovation. The dark yet calming shade of the cabinetry works to accentuate the soft background tones and bold veins of Stone Ambassador’s ‘Trinity’. Of the many other noteworthy features are pyrolytic steam ovens, a floating concrete hearth for the fireplace, P50 flush-line finishes, furnished concrete floor and walk-in pantry. The rear glass sliding doors open into a cavity slider, so they disappear when not needed, creating an uninterrupted flow between outdoor and indoor living. The outdoor entertainment area has an enclosed wall with built-in BBQ and sink. And for convenience, there is an outdoor shower and powder room. The area is surrounded by lush grass and established trees creating a total oasis, both inside and out, that makes you forget you’re only minutes’ walk from the CBD.