LET THERE BE LIGHT

A DARK, DAMP AND UNSTABLE COTTAGE HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED INTO A LIGHT-FILLED AND WELCOMING FAMILY HOME

- LYNNE TESTONI

Sometimes charm can hide huge structural problems – or at least persuade you to ignore them. For homeowners Skye and Andrew, this cottage was almost picture perfect on first viewing, but inside was dark, cold and gloomy, with an awkwardly designed living area and only one bathroom.

In the end, it took the couple almost 12 years of living in the original cottage before they finally embarked on their muchneeded and oft-dreamt of renovation. “It took us so long because we couldn’t decide if we wanted to go up or not,” explains Skye. “We realised that pushing the footprint back and out to the side would give us enough space. However, it wasn’t until we removed the back half that we realised how much work needed to be done on the front as well.” The house needed to be restumped and stabilised.

While that was being sorted, the rear was gutted to create an open-plan kitchen and living space. A second bathroom was added and skylights throughout brought in muchneeded light. Once the structural elements were there, Skye enlisted the help of interior designer Lauren Bartlett-Bragg from Norsu Design, who helped her create a calm and light-filled home. “Skye’s requirements were big, bright, open plan with as much natural light as possible,” says designer Lauren.