GROWING gains

A couple on a mission for more space found just what they needed – and it was practically on their doorstep

Serendipity was surely at play when Melissa and Marc Gibson embarked on their most recent house-hunting exercise. “With the arrival of our son Hugh four years ago, we quickly realised we had outgrown our two-bedroom home and extending just wasn’t an option,” says Melissa. “We loved the location, but more space for our family was the top priority, so our search expanded to the north, east and west.” As it turned out, they needn’t have looked that far.

DINING Holland dining table by SP01 Furniture and Gentle dining chairs by Front for Porro. The banquette was designed by Bianca Fraser and her company. The Ann Demeulemeester cake stand and cup and saucer are all Spence & Lyda. Curtains in Zepel Fabrics linen-look Allusion. Leaf Cut-Out vessel by Bettina Willner-Browne. ATTIC BEDROOM Panton chair by Vitra and throw by Bemboka.

The couple – also parents to seven-year-old Madeleine – had many reasons to cheerfully sign on the dotted line. Built in the late 19th century, this house is located just 500 metres up the road from the house they were farewelling, in the same leafy and lively neighbourhood that is close to both parks and cafes. “We have always loved the vibrancy of the area,” says Melissa.

This home also offered more generous proportions – 4.5 metres at its widest point compared to 3.4 metres at their previous house – plus the bonus of a parking area. “It’s not massive, but it felt grand to us,” says Melissa.