The new double-height living room connects directly to the garden

The kitchen includes a butler's pantry with a steel-framed pop-out window

The high-level pop-out window and skylight provide glimpses of the old palm tree that gives the house its name

The windows in the dining room in the old part of the house were lengthened to increased natural light. Eventually they'll provide views of the vine-covered side fence. The owners' collection of mid-century furniture, antique light fittings and contemporary art give the space a warm, eclectic...

At the end of the first floor hallway is a balcony overlooking the double-height living space.

A sunny window seat sits halfway up the new stairs leading to the kids' bedrooms

The new ensuite bathroom sits in a former bedroom in the original part of the house. It combines heritage features with contemporary details and colours.

The new ensuite bathroom sits in a former bedroom in the original part of the house

Above the garage/poolhouse is a cosy guest bedroom with its own bathroom

The double-height living space is oriented to the north and gets plenty of winter sunshine

The original front verandah of the old house features a cane swinging seat

View past the garage/poolhouse at the rear of the site through the new addition towards the entry and the old part

The welcoming original front verandah was painstakingly restored by the owners

View down the hall of the old house towards the new addition and back garden

The Federation era cottage had had a series of alterations before we started design in 2015

When the owners moved in, the back garden was leafy but overgrown!