Like you, we are obsessed with before and afters and today’s is quite the beauty. Located in Sydney’s inner-city Darlinghurst, this glorious terrace home was in a dilapidated state when its former owners sought DA approval and began an extensive renovation that, due to a change in circumstances, they couldn’t complete. Seeing an opportunity, the next-door neighbours swooped in and finished the home’s transformation.
“The current owners recognised the potential of the house and wanted to help finish what their neighbour had started. With development approval already in place, this meant they could commence work almost straight away. Living next door also meant they could stay close to the renovation and ensure it came together,” says BresicWhitney real estate agent Darren Pearce, who is managing the current sale of the home.
On the wider side for a terrace, the home has house-style proportions with two living spaces on the ground floor, as well as a substantial kitchen that flows into a private entertainer’s courtyard. Upstairs, the home features the clever use of skylights and large bespoke bedroom windows to maximise light while the home’s luxe materials palette includes travertine, Blackbutt timber flooring and natural stone.
“Their vision from the start was for a home that would stand out in both form and function. While they wanted wow factor, they were adamant to do it subtly through design details and quality materials. I genuinely think it’s one of the best Sydney terrace renovations we’ve seen in a while,” says Darren.
Interestingly, when the home was previously on the market, partially renovated, it didn’t deter potential buyers. Essentially a construction site, Darren took one group or individual through at a time and couldn’t access every part of the home through the sales period. But despite its half-finished status there were plenty of developers, investors and families all looking for an inner-city pad that they could personalise without doing the groundwork and building that a brand-new home requires.
“The biggest hurdle at times is helping inspire buyers who may be financially able but are lacking the passion and vision for such a large project. This emotional investment and desire to bring a home back to life is important,” says Darren who explains that the current owners, being familiar with the home before they bought it, were invested in helping finish what had been started.
“We continue to find that these types of homes, especially terraces, have strong appeal because they provide the opportunity for reinvention, transformation, and personalisation. This is a trend that’s only grown stronger since the pandemic too, as we now have a deeper appreciation for what ‘home’ means and living somewhere that we truly love and connect with.”
This home goes to auction on Saturday 12 November, 12.45pm and has a $2.4 million price guide.
