May 20, 2022

Honouring the heritage of Hollydene

These homeowners have beautifully rejuvenated the bold art deco features in their Hamilton South home, adding spaces in a graceful, modern interpretation that is all their own.

Tony and Colleen had already been living in the area for several years when an adjacent single level home came onto the market 25 years ago.

Rather than see it knocked down and replaced with townhouses, they took the longterm view. They decided to buy, hold and rent it out, with plans to eventually move in once their children had left the nest.

Built in the 1920s, it boasted extensive, if somewhat neglected art deco features.

Several homes on the street are believed to have been constructed by the same builder around the same time, most likely for BHP executives. They all share an enviable northeastern aspect “This block is quite unique in the area as it is approximately 5 metres wider than most,” Colleen shared.

“At some point, the house had been converted into two separate flats, but by the time we bought it, it was once again a single family home.

”When they finally got started, it was a renovation project that had been a long time coming. “I had been thinking about this for 25 years,” she confessed. Even the link to their builders, BRW Constructions, goes back almost a quarter of a century.

Hollydene offers a spacious entertainer’s kitchen, combining modern appliances with charming heritage features. Charming with great views: the formal dining room. The billiard room in the new wing with the timber mantlepiece from a bank in Sydney.

“Hollydene has local historical significance, so we wanted to make sure any additions to the property were very sympathetic to its existing heritage and style, to complement the property and blend in with its surroundings,” said the proud owner. “We reproduced the colour schemes from the original rooms, vibrant hues of blues and reds as was the trend in that period, even installing red patterned glass in the new powder room which looks amazing when it catches the afternoon sunlight.

“With a large family, having enough bathrooms and adding the billiard room gave everyone the space they needed.”

Respectful preservation

Custom made New Guinea rosewood timber accents and handmade cornicing and ceiling features to match the heritage style were all sourced and crafted locally.

In keeping with honouring the heritage, the owners sourced antique furniture and features, including a set of timber double doors originally from the Queen Victoria Building, and had a magnificent circular staircase from France installed, leading down to the new basement cellar.

“We wanted a marble fireplace as the central feature, but then we fell for this phenomenal timber mantlepiece from a former bank in Sydney. It was so huge it had to come up in four pieces, but we are so glad we got it because it is truly a wonderful feature of the house.”
The well-preserved outbuildings include the former servants’ quarters and original butcher shop.

There’s two more bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large country style mudroom/laundry and space for a home office. Additional timber sheds enhance the charm of the property, while giving a nod to its productive history.

Fairytale gardens

The family moved in just as the renovations were being completed, and made further tweaks to the large entertainer’s kitchen and upgrading all appliances. Their attention then turned to the already established grounds.

An extensive outdoor patio and formal garden spaces hug the homestead’s covered verandahs, providing ample space for relaxing and entertaining, while being easy to care for.

WORDS | PENNY EVANS
photography | JACOB RIORDAN, COURTESY OF RAY WHITE DUNGOG

You may also like