A Federation residence combined with an eye for cosmopolitan style and an owner in the building industry has led to the creation of this elegant entertainer in the prized suburb of Brighton.
Just a short 10-minute stroll from Holloway Bend Beach, the glamorous four-bedroom home sits on 810 sqm at 15 Cairnes Cres, and was a labour of love by vendor Monique Barr and her builder husband.
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The couple purchased the now 101-year-old pad in 2010 and embarked on a mammoth renovation, “completely gutting” the house and restoring its period features, such as the front veranda, leadlight windows and original brick fireplaces.
But they also extended backwards and upwards, adding a second storey to the home and a spacious, contemporary living area at the rear.
This opens on to the covered outdoor deck overlooking a solar-heated swimming pool and lush gardens.
“We brought back the period features like the veranda but put in the modern, glass extension at the back. It does not resemble what it was at all,” Ms Barr said.
“When we bought it, it was a jungle. It was overgrown … there were huge trees in the front yard. We completely gutted the house and the pool and put in new tiling and plumbing.”
By the time their daughter was born in 2011, the couple were ready to move into the new abode, where they have lived since with their two children.
Although the main renovation was finished, they also completed small upgrades over the years including landscaping by Nadia Gill in the front garden and repainting the exterior.
“It is a true entertainer house, we have a really good outdoor barbecue set up and the kids are always in the pool … it has been wonderful with them growing up in the house,” Ms Barr said.
“It’s the perfect home as you can walk to the beach or Church St … it’s the complete package because you’re so close to everything including all the great schools.”
The renovation also included the addition of a home office in the rear living area, as well as a spacious main bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and luxe ensuite on the ground floor.
Upstairs, a further three bedrooms with built-in wardrobes join another living and study zone, family bathroom and ample attic storage space.
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“We also have three fireplaces including a beautiful fireplace outside,” said Ms Barr.
“Or if it’s really cold I sit in the front room and it’s just so cosy.”
The couple are now offloading the property as they prepare for “another challenge” — flipping a second home.
“It’s a nice quiet street with great neighbours, that’s what I’ll miss too. It’s a really good community,” Ms Barr added.
“But we’ll hopefully pass the baton on to someone who can raise their family there too.”
The 15 Cairnes Cres pad has a $4.5m-$4.95m price guide ahead of its May 20 auction.
RT Edgar Toorak agent Chelsie Cargill said it was a “magnificent contribution to one of Brighton’s exclusive streetscapes”.
“This home remains true to its historic origins, complete with hallmark features,” Ms Cargill said. “Yet it radiates a distinct contemporary ambience with modern extension.”
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emily.holgate@news.com.au