STYLE COUNSEL

Plans for a cosmetic revamp of this late-Victorian terrace evolved into a whole-house makeover that truly restored its splendour – and then some.

- Carli Philips

It may be a relatively small claim to fame, but this elegant 19th-century house is among Melbourne’s first Boom Style terraces. It’s also significant for its ‘widow’s walk’, a turret named for the mariners’ wives who waited there anxiously for ships to return to shore. These features were just some of the attractions that drew Fiona Mason and James Kelly to the three-level property in 2018.

Inside, however, the decor hadn’t been touched for 20 years, which left the home feeling tired overall. Cautious of the home’s heritage overlays that prohibited any alterations to the exterior, Fiona and James planned to give the terrace a simple cosmetic refresh. But with the assistance of architect Penny Kinsella, the couple realised more was achievable than they first thought. “Penny showed us that we could open up some spaces so light could penetrate from front to back. Her vision was amazing,” says Fiona.

Typical of townhouses of this style and era, the lower-ground floor is accessed via a separate entrance two metres below street level. Unsurprisingly, the subterranean location made the entire lower-ground floor extremely dark. “The brief was for light, light, and more light,” says Fiona. And thanks to Penny’s clever replanning of the layout within the existing footprint, Fiona got her wish.