In Birchgrove, one of Sydney’s most exclusive suburbs west of the Harbour Bridge, properties are – by and large – charming and diminutive.

However, along its most coveted street, Louisa Road, weatherboard cottages and Victorian terraces give way to sleek architect-designed and grand, historic homes, whose past and present residents include actors Rebel Wilson, Judy Davis, Colin Friels and Showpo founder Jane Lu.