Rondebosch

Rondebosch Reno

So you’ve just bought a new home. It’s close to schools, has a great sized garden and the most gorgeous views. But it’s not quite right…

Located in Rondebosch
Built by RP Building Service Pty Ltd
Interior design and styling by Zarah Riley Interiors and Design
Photography by Henrique Wilding
425m² in size

Featured in Home magazine, July 2021 and Home Yard magazine, 2021

I’d worked with this couple a few years previously. Back when it was just the two of them. But with the addition of a son and daughter, they’d swopped busy Woodstock living for suburban Rondebosch.

The house was in a fantastic position, the views were magnificent, and there was a large garden and pool. But the house didn’t meet all their desires: it was an older home, probably built in the 1940s but had been renovated previously and not very well. Aesthetically it didn’t really fit in with the suburb either.

Downstairs, the main things that were lacking were sunlight, easy flow to the garden to encourage time spent outside- both in the back where the kids played and to the side where the pool was. A deep covered patio for entertaining or lazy lounging, a scullery to contain the chaos of daily living and a double garage with space for a workshop were also on the wish list.

Upstairs was short of a bedroom and tv room space. The potential for views from upstairs was huge; so balconies were a must-have. The hope was that even the en-suite would be able to catch the views.

The house looks absolutely amazing.
Thanks so much for an incredible design vision; I don’t think there’s anything I’d change.”
Happy Homeowner

To turn this dream into reality, we basically demolished all the existing home- only three walls were left standing! But I love that we were able to re-use the original timber floors and the front door. We also re-used the freestanding claw bathtub. It keeps the history of the home alive and adds a sense of soul and character to it.

This family home now has a strong style that fits in with the neighbourhood. One of the things the owners love about their ‘new’ home is the bookshelf in the lounge. It was a gift for a milestone birthday from family and friends. Thoughtfully designed with window seats, it’s a favourite place to sit. Another is the easy flow from inside to outside. When the three sets of stacking doors are open, it’s a fantastic feeling- house, deck and garden all become one space.

This sense of connection to the outside continues upstairs. Often when you’re in a double-storey, the upstairs can feel disconnected from the garden and the outside. Because there are three balconies upstairs and large windows to take in the view, this doesn’t happen.

What’s quite clever about this home was that it was designed to be flexible and adapt to the family’s needs from the kids being small, to getting older, until they finally leave home.