Old & New
A Fusion of Old & the New- Design & Décor Magazine
This Burmarrad house is an extensively renovated property which has grown from an old farmhouse to a sizeable family home. The brief was to maintain and conserve the existing structure and a new extension was added to house the spaces for kitchen/living and main bedroom.
“We wanted our home to express everything we love,” said the young couple who are the proud owners of a very old, converted farmhouse. The couple with two young children aged one and four years, found the perfect outlet for their refined yet laid-back tastes in this Burmarrad farmhouse. The beautifully converted place is secretly tucked behind black wrought iron gates, which do not give away little of the beauty that lies behind them.
The moment I stepped into this converted property I entered into a covered arch leading to an internal courtyard, a true reflection of the story of a typical farmhouse. This area progresses to the reading room and a formal dining room which opens up to high ceilings into the new built extension, an open plan, housing the kitchen, living and dining area.
The owners fell in love with this 200 year old house, the moment they saw it. They wanted to maintain and conserve the existing structure whilst adding a new extension to provide space for the kitchen and living area and the main bedroom. To attain their aim, they turned to Interior Designer, Davina Preca who enlivened the house by creating a sharp contrast between old and new. “We decided that the old parts of the house were perfect for smaller intimate spaces, ideal for reading or dining, whilst the new extension had to be a large, practical and contemporary space,” explained Davina.
Although inspired by the basic farmhouse motif, the Interior Designer decided to add unexpected materials and finishes which are pretty evident everywhere, but particularly in the kitchen, a room which oozes a contemporary aura while giving you the feeling that it is the pumping heart of the house. The kitchen has custom built units in white lacquer which blend perfectly well accompanied by purple glass which offer an alternative practical solution to the usual backsplash. At the same time the floating walnut table top adds a touch of warmth which reflects a warm-hearted homely feeling.
The living area is beautifully inserted between old rubble-walls and it overlooks the pool and deck as an extension of the indoors. The outside area makes a fine leisure space including a large outdoor pool with a barbecue spot and a sizeable entertaining section.
The first floor houses the private areas, including the bedrooms and bathrooms. A unique feature which stands out is found in the main bedroom. This is a glass box shower with flush shower heads and led lighting built into the ceiling for a streamlined effect. The shower is situated in the main bedroom at the rear of a low bed which sits in the middle of the room. This exceptional idea was inspired by S&S Bathrooms who provided unconventional proposals. Such unorthodox ideas complemented Davina Preca’s innovative approach to different rooms, including the guest bathroom where original wooden beams were retained and the rubble wall left exposed. The fittings in this space were inspired by the Baroque period.
This place is clear evidence that farmhouses can be washed with natural lighting all over. This house is a series of spaces that are visually linked by small apertures enhancing continuity and creating cross ventilation. The cantilevered stairs is flooded with natural light from a skylight above and provides the right connection with the natural environment surrounding the area where the property is situated. This is a house to fall in love with, particularly for all those who find the challenge to combine old and new irresistible to resist.
Photos: Rene Rossignaud, www.rossignaud.com
Design: Davina Preca, www.davinapreca.com
SUGGESTED STANDALONES:
The beautifully converted place is secretly tucked behind black wrought iron gates, which do not give away anything of the beauty that lies behind them.
The old parts of the house were perfect for smaller intimate spaces, ideal for reading or dining, whilst the new extension had to be a large, practical and contemporary space.
The living area is beautifully inserted between old rubble-walls which overlook the pool and deck as an extension of the indoors.
