This inner-city Melbourne home, located just a short walk from our office, sits within a vibrant and well-established neighbourhood. Originally built in the 1920s, the solidly constructed Edwardian cottage required only minor refurbishment and maintenance—much of which was undertaken by the owner, with our guidance and support as needed.

We reconfigured the rear of the house to better connect the living spaces with the garden and added a compact studio for guests and creative pursuits. The transformation has been invaluable—offering a bright, open living environment, a functional workspace, and a peaceful garden retreat that became especially meaningful during the COVID lockdowns.

As part of the renovation, we extended the roofline beyond the kitchen and dining area to create a covered outdoor entertaining space. This addition enhances year-round usability and provides essential summer shade to the home’s interior.

The garden, designed by Jackie McWilliam of Avant Gardener, maximises the compact site through thoughtful zoning and plant selection. Low-maintenance native grasses, steel-edged raised planters for a productive kitchen garden, and trellises for vertical greenery all contribute to a lush, secluded feel—transforming the outdoor space into a tranquil urban oasis.