Extension of elegance reflects modern manners in Newtown

THERE are two worlds represented in this sympathetic Newtown renovation, but they don’t collide.

The original four-bedroom house represents a rich era in architecture in this blue ribbon neighbourhood, shown through its detailed weatherboard and brick homes.

The timber detailing on the facade and a rare corner stained glass bay window provides a glimpse into yesteryear.

Its credentials are confirmed inside, where high ceilings are lined with timber, creating a spacious aura throughout the original part of the home.

It’s a solid built house that blocks the noise from the cusp of the city.

1 Roebuck St, Newtown.

Three bedrooms are at the front. Each has split-system airconditioning, of which there are seven units in the house.

Two bedrooms have enormous built-in wardrobes, while the third could double as a study, with the bay window and desk by the open fireplace.

A T-shaped passageway connects the room, in the original part of the house, with a renovated bathroom, including a deep spa bath, a separate shower and a solid timber dresser converted to a vanity providing a visual talking point.

The study has an ornate bay window.

But the formal loungeroom does the most talking about this home’s rich past, with the deep stained timber ceiling and a corner fireplace providing welcome surrounds for formal occasions.

A large sliding door connects the loungeroom to the modern extension at the back. It’s a U-shaped configuration designed by Highton architect Wayne Chenery.

The main room is a long pavilion containing the kitchen, dining and living area.

As the room faces south, Chenery designed a vaulted ceiling that draws sunlight from the north down onto the dining table during the day, while glass windows and french doors wrap around a courtyard outside to create an inviting entertainment hub.

The kitchen is kitted out for a gourmet.

Foodies wouldn’t be blamed for going weak at the knees for the kit in the kitchen.

There’s a freestanding stainless steel cooker with a gas cooktop — including a teppanyaki hotplate — plus a separate Siemens electric ceramic cooktop.

The deep kitchen sink has extendible tapware, while there is space for a large fridge and a walk-in pantry.

Whitford, Newtown agent Heidi Trempel said the kitchen has wowed buyers.

“Everybody that comes in here that really loves cooking goes ‘oh my God, this is fabulous’.”

Storage extends through the European laundry to a double storey extension that wraps the courtyard.

Storage is no problem, with a long stone island bench containing cabinets on both sides, while drawers and cupboards surround the working triangle.

More built-in cabinets and drawers provide a visual separation between the dining area and living zone, but the options don’t stop there.

A linen press opens at the other end of the room, while a passage connecting the living room and rumpus room contains more storage and a European laundry.

There’s also a second dishwasher and a sink that services entertainment in the courtyard.

The bathrooms have feature cabinets.

The rumpus room forms the bottom floor of a two-storey extension with a second bathroom and a first-floor bedroom with a built-in wardrobe and a balcony.

This is an ideal retreat for parents, an older child or even a workspace.

The rumpus room has a polished concrete floor and french and concertina doors that open to the courtyard.

Ms Trempel said it was a beautiful and naturally light home offering a wonderful blend of old and new.