Circe Circle

say goodbye, HELLO
A clever facelift converts a tired 1930's Dalkeith house innto the epitome of contemporary style for a young family.
Homes and Living

say goodbye, HELLO

A clever facelift converts a tired 1930's Dalkeith house innto the epitome of contemporary style for a young family.

When property developers and husband and wife team John and Julie Pitcher cast their collective eye over a tired 1930's Dalkleith home two years ago, they knew exactly how they'd revamp it. Aafter a seven month redevelopment the 'ugly duckling' has been transformed into a sophisticated, spacious six bedroom home that screams luxury.

At first glance, anyone could be forgiven for thinking that their stunning home is newly built. But a closer look reveals the clever redesign responsible for the metamorphosis. Surprisingly, the existing footprint remains the same- apart from a complete reorganistaion of the interior- the changes were cosmetic.

"It was a rabbit warren," Julie laughs, when asked to describe the home they bought, pre-trransformation. "It was very traditional with its chandeliers, cornices and floral carpets. The most recent work had taken place in the era of fashionable pale green. The house looked like it had been extended, over and over, with whatever room was needed at the time. It wasn't functional and there was no thought to the flow. However we liked the block size and the fact that it wasn't super imposing from the street."

Rethinking the layout of the rooms was a must. They removed the old kitchen and installed a new staircase in its place and the original 14 metre long lounge/dining area now houses two bedrooms, a walk in robe and bathroom.

"We're very practical about design" Julie explains. "You can have lots of rooms and fluffy ornate things around but you have to live in those rooms. And if you don't live in those rooms they're a very expensive part of your home. No room is for show here; there's no formal lounge or dining because we decided that we needed to be able to live in this home from the front door back."

Bi folding doors extending across one side of the house means it can be opened up for parties.

"We had 24 people staying here for Christmas and the place worked really well for entertaining" John says.

"We had parties that went from the kitchen bench to the pool. We were only expecting a few people for New Year's Eve and the next thing we knew the whole crowd turned up again and stayed for another few days!"

The couple didn't scrimp on luxury fittings and fixtures. Top notch trimmings and technology have been used throughout the home. Italian porcelain tiles extend right through to the laundry. A double shower in the main bathroom means their three year old son Brock can jump in too. Two square Italian basins from Rogerseller, specially sourced for their extra depth, take pride of place in the his and hers vanity units. In the master suite, two facing sides of a massive walk in robe have been designed specifically for dresses and suits.

However, for John, the 'piece de resistance' is undoubtedly the Home Theatre. Not just a family room with an oversized telly at one end, this is the real McCoy. It's all about sinking into the thick padded seats for a night in with surround sound stereo. (Or alternatively, watch Foxtel, play on the Playstation or surf the internet). John says the Home Theatre is his pride and joy.

"We wanted a real theatre feel so we put in a stage so the second chairs are raised," he says. "The first time we watched a movie in there, because it's so dark, quiet and comfy we became engrossed and when it finished we thought "We've got to go home now.... hang on, we are home!' It's exactly the same feel as a cinema."

Other clever gadgetry is the Home Automation system, where the press of a button activates a sweep of the lights at night, keyless entry and electric blinds in the living area. Music can be piped into various rooms from one central location - all operated by one remote control.

"We definately like to surprise people when they walk in," John says.
"They look at the front of the house and they don't expect what they find inside. Because we do this for a living, we like to exceed peoples' expectations."

We say, consider them exceeded.