Elsternwick House is a calm and contemporary family home nestled within a suburb known for its old-world charm. Surrounded by Victorian, Edwardian, and Californian Bungalows, the project sought to honour the modest character of the existing single-fronted cottage while introducing a sensitive, modern addition that supports the needs of a close-knit family.
The original façade, with its mid-Victorian verandah and symmetrical presence, was retained and restored, while the internal front rooms were carefully reimagined as bedrooms. Beyond a pair of steel-framed glazed doors — a striking junction between old and new — the home opens to a light-filled sequence of contemporary living spaces. A compact kitchen, dining, and lounge form the heart of the house, connected to a flexible second living room that doubles as a study or retreat. At the rear, the parents’ suite overlooks a Palm Springs–inspired garden by Plume, complete with plunge pool, concrete pavers, palms, and cacti.
The design embraces flexibility and reduction. Concealed cavity sliders allow spaces to expand and contract, while large glazed openings dissolve the boundary between indoors and out. An outdoor fireplace, pitched pergola, and generous BBQ area extend living to the garden, encouraging all-year-round connection to the landscape. Within, thoughtful details — from pocket doors that hide televisions to multi-use rooms — ensure every square metre is functional and adaptable.
A restrained monochrome palette, softened with whitewashed timber, underpins the interiors, complemented by furniture, linens, and styling selected by Merrylees to complete the project as a holistic vision. The result is understated luxury: calm, intimate spaces where natural light and material honesty set the tone.
Sustainability is embedded not only in the services — electric systems with provision for solar and battery storage, underfloor heating, and energy-efficient appliances — but also in the project’s scale and ethos. By keeping the footprint modest and selecting local, durable materials, the home reduces environmental impact while ensuring longevity.
Elsternwick House embodies the clients’ mantra: “we are only going to do this once, so we want to do it right.” The outcome is a finely tailored, enduring home that balances heritage sensitivity with contemporary simplicity. It is a sanctuary of calm that reveals its generosity only once inside — a secret oasis, deeply personal to its owners, and a quiet celebration of design integrity.
