Renovated 25 year old Pole house
Hi Houzz friends, I just wanted to share some photos of our home before and after our renovation last year. We are very proud of the way it has been transformed from rough and rugged to contemporary but still a true expression of us and how we want to live.
We built it 25 years ago as owner builders with the help of a carpenter using plans drawn up by a draftsman friend.There are 20 hardwood poles sunk into the ground with three levels starting from a concrete slab (entry,rumpus, study, bathroom, bedroom) up 7 stairs to cypress timber in the middle (Kitchen,dining,living,laundry,covered entertaining deck, pool, back yard) up 7 stairs to top floor (3 bedrooms, bathroom, ensuite, parents retreat, front decks) . It is a tri-level design and has been our home to raise four children, all now adults living away bar one still at home. We used existing footprint and replaced back rotten deck with improved living spaces, and the carport became the fourth bedroom on ground level. A new double carport was added to the right hand side.
The ideas were gathered over 15 years or so, and there were many days spent drawing, dreaming, and convincing my husband and others that moving rooms and plumbing would create spaces with better flow, connection and multipurpose living areas to accommodate the changes to how we live and the changing needs of our family. Priority was also given to aspect, cross flow ventilation, improving natural light, insulation, connection to the outdoors and improving the dated & dark internal spaces to more contemporary & light.
With consultation from professionals, a lot of searching and saving on Houzz and using basic free software to show the draftsman, the plans were drawn up and a builder contracted to do the structural work, approvals & council compliance/inspections etc. plus the professional trades for exterior painting, floor sanding & sealing, tiling, plumbing, electrical and building work. We painted the interior ourselves to save money. Landscaping is still as always a work in progress though we did engage some help with the front gardens & concreting due to Christmas being our deadline. We are now enjoying the benefits of better flow of spaces, more light and connection with our entertaining and pool areas. We love it!
There are more photos in my idea book here..
Comments (23)
LouieT
8 years agoRelated Discussions
Renovation & Extension to Old Victorian Workers Cottage in Northcote
Comments (5)Fantastic transformation! This renovation really looks to stay true to the character of Melbourne's beautiful period homes whilst bringing it's charm back to life!...See MoreThe 100 Year Home Renovation
Comments (5)Thank you, its great to be able to share such wonderful transformations and get positive feed back as well. NRD :)...See MoreOld Farm Cottage Renovation - Floorplan ideas
Comments (7)Hi Dave, Julie here, I am an interior Designer so let’s see if I can help you. Great plan firstly, but just a few things to consider. Your dining area is quite large so a lot of space that could be utilised better. I personally think a kitchen taking the length of the back wall is more powerful visually and also a large island would work better than just a corner kitchen. If you brought the kitchen forward you could also do a hidden Buttler’s pantry taking up the length of the back wall (east). Also your study has no natural light. Maybe consider a sky light or a the wall facing North can be 3/4 high and the top of that wall can be glazing. Otherwise it will feel a bit suffocating. You could also do a lovely walk-in large shower in Master and rework that whole space with the walk in closet If you would like a consultation to discuss further don’t hesitate to contact me. ....See More20-year old kitchen gets a dream makeover
Comments (11)There looks to be a lot less underbench storage , and even though it implies a 'two-part' pantry in the description , the width has been halved , so my guess is at least 50% reduction in pantry space ? The left hand window also seems to have been replaced with a door , so a lot less natural light , or view . Now it is possible that the door goes to a butlers pantry ( although I thought that would be mentioned ) , so its easy to make a kitchen more spacious by adding another room haha , but thats just guessing . And if it was 20 years old and dated , why do a very similar style in the same colours and tones -- a yellowy beige with light brown highlights ? The cupboard unit in white reminds me of the $89 Bunnings units , and as Ks says , not going to the roof just looks budget kitset to me ....See MoreLouieT
8 years agoLouieT
8 years agolast modified: 8 years ago
User
8 years agoLouieT
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agoLouieT
8 years agoLouieT
8 years ago
User