Fox in Socks

Reconnecting the rear to the rest of the house

The rear of the house had remained disconnected from the main living areas — a common challenge in older villas where extensions were added piecemeal over time. We converted that space into an integral part of the home, relocating the staircase to the main level so the house flows naturally from front to back, and linking the rear living area directly to a generous entertainer’s deck and swimming pool. The garage sits neatly alongside, completing the plan without compromising the garden.

Two living areas, each with its own character

The second lounge was respectfully modernised with clean lines, carefully considered alignments, and new walnut cabinetry. We added a contemporary basalt surround to the fireplace while maintaining the original heritage tiles — a considered juxtaposition between old and new that runs as a quiet thread throughout the renovation. The client brought an eclectic, well-travelled eye to the project, and we created display spaces in each room to showcase the couple’s collections, giving every corner a sense of personality and care.

A kitchen that makes a statement

The open-plan kitchen and living area is one of the home’s great set pieces. Soft, pared-back neutrals create a calm backdrop for the full-length kitchen, which extends outdoors via a T-end super-white stone island bench — a beautiful, confident statement that blurs the line between inside and out. The four bedrooms, bathroom, laundry, and supporting spaces are each proportioned with the same generosity as the principal rooms, ensuring the whole house holds together rather than tapering off.

A heritage villa, futureproofed

In the process of this renovation, we reintroduced original materials alongside carefully chosen contemporary ones, helping this Mt Eden double bay villa grow into a wonderful family home — one that honours its heritage and is genuinely futureproofed for the generations to come.

If you have a character villa that deserves to be brought back to its best — reconnected, extended, and properly proportioned for the way your family lives now — we would love to talk about what is possible. Get in touch to start the conversation, or browse more villa renovation projects for inspiration.