b'pictures: courtesy of Bossley Howe Architects Pty Ltdin SydneyThe roof leaked like a colander and some emergencyTherenovationaddedanewundergrounddoubleLooking at the repairs had to be carried out when one of the boys putgarage, and the homes existing pool was retained, albeithouse today, it is unrecogisable from his feet through theoorboards. In fact, the family hadwith a hefty makeover. Large expanses of concrete werethe property Chris originally intended on demolishing the existing house andplastered and then painted in Resene Half Spanish Whiteinitially purchased.starting again, but town planning and geotechnical issuesto match the house. meant this wasnt advisableto begin with, the rear ofA large water tank under the new concrete stairs collects the 780sqm site is 16m higher than the front. rainwaterforirrigation.Theplantingschemeincludes Today, the original house is unrecognisable and Chris israre350-year-oldnativeAustralianplants, withtted particularly proud of the fact the entire project took onlymicrochips for identi cation.nine months from go to whoa. While the architect saysInside, the new kitchen features jarrah veneer cabinets and he usually has a Modernist approach to his design, thisCaesarStone benchtops in Nite Sky. Chris says Betsy is a great undertaking called for a more traditional style.cook and insists on a kitchen that can withstand a lot of We were very aware of context here. The house is directlywear and tear. And shes very pleased with the resultwhich opposite the former gatehouse of the historic Wentworthis just as well, as the entire design was her husbands. Estate, he points out.She said something like: Design it how you like, as long Now,whiletherearofthe three- as its how I want it to be, laughs Chris. ve-bedroom, bathroom home is modern, the front elevation nods to the neighbourhood, with its modernised versions of the gatehouses railings and engaged pilasters. Genuine antiqueResene Spanish roof tiles add to the overall character, which isHalf Pearl Lustadescribed by Chris as Australian English in style. Resene Half Spanish WhiteIndicative of the English in uence are the black enamel-painted window and door frames. Acoustic seals aroundResene Half Pearl Lusta and Resene Half Spanish the double-glazing cater for any movement in the joineryWhite are both in from the blazing heat. And the Resene paint handles theResenes top 20 colours. before See the full top 20 list weather extremely well, Chris says. on page 27.| 123'