.jpg?resize=720%2C405)
When Barry and Chimene Cocking wanted to downsize, they found a 900m2 block with an early 1900s house in Guildford, a heritage suburb on the outskirts of Perth.
It’s not everyone’s idea of a small block, but the family had come from a 3ha farm in the Swan Valley.
The Cockings are the people behind Eggs by Ellah, a successful free-range egg business in Western Australia. While eldest daughter Ellah and her partner Jeremy stayed on at the family property, Barry and Chimene (along with son Alex, 24, and younger daughter Emilia, 20) relocated here in 2009.
“The kids were starting to move out and I wanted a smaller garden and a lifestyle change,” says Chimene. “Here, we don’t have to drive anywhere. We have cafes on our doorstep. It has a lovely village feel.”
Second thoughts
While Barry initially said no to the house, 10 days later he changed his mind. The couple went back for a second look and both fell in love. “It was pretty, but very traditional,” says Chimene. “The house had dark colours in the hall, sage greens and peach tones in other areas, heavy curtains and an old-fashioned feel. But we loved the hall and what are now the library and Emilia’s room.”
The best of both worlds
While renting it out for a year, they planned the renovation.
The initial brief was for a refresh and first floor extension in line with the period of the home. However, that all changed when the couple met architect Suzanne Hunt, who wanted to give them the best of both the old and new.
Suzanne retained the formal living room and four bedrooms at the front of the home, but turned one into an entertainment room.
The family area at the rear was demolished and replaced with a powder room and landing platform, a transitional space between levels.
On the upper floor is Barry and Chimene’s bedroom, ensuite and walk-in wardrobe; below is an open-plan living room filled with light and fresh air, brought in through louvres and French doors.
A new way of living
Another lifestyle zone, an outdoor kitchen, was added near the pool. This walled pavilion has become popular with all members of the family.
The palette is a mix of off-white, stone, garden greens and aqua, with a hint of yellow and pink from the stained glass windows in the front part of the house.
In line with the modern feel of the extension, Suzanne convinced Chimene to swap some of her antique furniture for contemporary classics.
“I would never have had these pieces before, but we love them now. The old part of the house is so graceful and serene; the family area is more robust. Suzanne showed us a new way of living.”
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
