Fraser Hopkins: Latina Fresh baron’s Trelawney St Woollahra renos
Mamma mia! Renovating a Victorian Italianate style mansions is hard work even for pasta bosses like Fraser Hopkins. The co-founder of Latina Fresh has lodged a proposal for his stunning Woollahra home.
Wentworth Courier
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When you’re the co-founder of a pasta empire, adding a rear extension to your 130 year old Victorian Italianate style mansion is a $2.1 million undertaking.
Fraser Hopkins, co-founder of pasta maker Latina Fresh, submitted his grand renovation plans for the sprawling house in Trelawney St, Woollahra to council this month.
The plans by Chalmers Le Fevre in conjunction with Leech Harmon Architects involve demolishing the existing rear extension and shed and adding a new two storey addition plus a swimming pool.
It’s all happening at casa di Hopkins, which was purchased for $9.1 million in November.
In April, Woollahra Council granted Mr Hopkins permission for additional internal alterations and last month they were given a heritage exemption to paint the faded pink exterior a shade of “mid grey”.
The estate neighbours the old German consulate site and while not heritage listed itself, it is considered a contributory item as it is in the heritage conservation area known as the Rosemont Precinct.
The main portion of the home which is visible from the street was built in about 1889.
The house was originally known as “Akaroa” and then later referred to as “Culwulla”.
However both portions to be demolished were built much more recently with the rear section constructed in the 1960s to 80s and the shed put up in the 1950s.
The rear extension will involve a new stairs and a lift, an open plan dining area adjoining the kitchen plus an al fresco living area at the rear of the dwelling as well as a new lawn, swimming pool and pool terrace.
The proposed works also incorporate a new basement level boasting a media room, store room, laundry, communications room, powder room and gym with an ensuite.
The architect states in documents submitted to council that the proposed demolition of the existing rear extension and garden shed will have a “neutral” impact on the heritage of the area.
“The rear extension does not form part of the streetscape; its fabric is degraded and it cannot be seen from the public domain,” the documents read.
The proposal is almost wholly compliant with the council’s Development Control Plan with the exception of a proposed 2.4m wooden fence which architects argue replaces a non compliant sheet metal fence currently on site.
A number of trees will have to be removed to facilitate the construction but an arborist report states most of them were “recent plantings” within the last decade.
A notable exception is a 16m high Brush Box which the arborist notes was “well established” on aerial maps dating back to 1943.
“Ground interruptions to facilitate works can be managed to ensure a tolerable degree of impact … retain and protect tree,” the report reads.
During the early weeks of the pandemic it was very difficult to get your hands on the popular supermarket pasta brand which makes fresh ravioli, pasta sheets and sauces.