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FRANCIS
STREET FAIRLIGHT

This old federation home began life as a, single storey, three bedroom house with one bathroom. What it lacked in space, it made up for in charm, so the brief was clear: honor the home's heritage style whilst extending it to create more space and function for a family of four.  

Anything excessive to a clear flowing floor plan was remodeled. The entry door [a door accessed via obscure narrow footpath to the side of the house] was relocated to the front, atop a new central sandstone entry staircase.  

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A sun room tacked on to the front of the home was demolished to reveal an original porch, this was restored to completely transform the facade.  Behind the new lead light front door, a double-volume entry lobby with skylight creates instant wow factor.  French doors off the lobby open to a library with full-height wraparound shelving, bay window and restored fireplace, setting a luxe tone for the rest of the home.  The rear was opened up to create a dramatic double-volume living space, bathed in light via high louvre windows and a wall of bi-fold glass doors.  Exposed beams and v-groove ceilings in crisp white teamed with tallow wood floors and accents achieve a cool coastal vibe.  

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The new kitchen features a full-height joinery wall housing integrated fridge|freezer, 2 meter pantry, concealed charging station and dual ovens.  An island bench below suspended task lighting creates a place to gather.  

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A statement staircase with chunky cantilevered tallow wood treads leads up to an open study and loft-like parents' retreat with raked ceilings, large double walk-in robe, en suite and nifty laundry chute to round off the second storey.  

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The home's original sandstone base was left raw and exposed, serving as a visual reminder of where the old house ends and the new one begin. This family home now boasts 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 en suite, study, library, living, dining and a large open plan kitchen.  So much more than the owners imagined, and what was going to be a quick renovate and resell is now a dream home for keeps.