This sandstone cottage has a rather surprising modern addition

Article by Belle

This unassuming home looks like a heritage cottage from the street, but has a radically modern addition at the back

This sandstone cottage has a rather surprising modern addition

For these homeowners, one of whom is interior designer Andrea Killen, enlisting the help of architect John Rose was paramount in creating a design to renovate the cottage and build a respectful extension to accommodate the family of four.

The original cottage interiors were restored and refreshed and a new ground floor living, dining and entertaining space and an upper bedroom wing were constructed.

Materials for the new structure included a rammed earth wall in harmony with the original pink-coloured Hunters Hill sandstone. Interiors are in a warm and earthy Colorado style.

Words by: Janice Jones. Photography by: Will Horner. Story from: Belle

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From the street, the original sandstone cottage retains its heritage appeal.

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In the living room, a rammed earth wall runs the length of the space and creates a back-of-house service area. The rammed-earth was chosen to match the cottage’s pink sandstone exterior.

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Throughout the 155-year-old cottage, the traditional links harmoniously with the contemporary to create an ultra-comfortable home.

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An original Eames chair and stool.

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A must for me was the deep-green marble benchtop – something I’ve tried to suggest with clients but no one was brave enough to do it," says Andrea. "Green is one of my favourite colours and is littered throughout the house. I was delighted with how it turned out with the white joinery, oak floors and simple subway tiles.”

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The upper storey bedroom wing is set back from the traditional street frontage.

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"I really wanted a lived-in space and that it be a home not a house. We loved that earthy, warm Colorado ranch style and all those layered textures,” says Andrea.