This was published 1 year ago
How a modern extension gave this charming cottage a new lease of life
By Jennifer Soo
Chris Packer and Selina Samuels in the formal living room in the old part of their house, where vintage features are offset by modern furniture, light fittings and Packer’s contemporary artworks.Credit: Jennifer Soo
The home
A Victorian “farm cottage”, circa 1880, originally one in a row of four in Sydney’s inner west. There is also a workshop on the property, originally built for a carpet-laying business but now used as an artist’s studio.
Who lives here
Chris Packer, a visual artist, and Selina Samuels, an educator.
What we did
“We replaced a series of crude add-ons dating from the 1920s to the ’70s with a new extension that houses a spacious open-plan kitchen and living room, two bathrooms with terrazzo features, a bedroom with French doors, a laundry and a deck,” says Samuels.
My favourite room
Packer loves the open- plan kitchen and living room overlooking the garden. Samuels prefers the bathroom where she can “lie in the bath, looking at the jacaranda while
it’s in flower”.
The ’hood
“We’re right in the middle of all these great little inner-west villages – Dulwich Hill, Summer Hill, Marrickville and Petersham,” says Samuels. Adds Packer, “We can go for a walk in any direction and have dinner.“
Future plans
To plant a rose bed in the middle of the garden where the roses can be seen, says Packer.
Best advice
Use an architect. “Our architect, Suzie Potts, was able to show us different ways of doing things,” says Samuels.
This wall was reinforced with plywood to serve as a gallery. “It’s pretty much a collection of small works, largely by people we know,” says Samuels. Credit: Jennifer Soo
The couple’s architect, Suzie Potts, chose this shade of green, thwarting their plan for “something more extreme – acid yellow”. All artworks by Chris Packer. Credit: Jennifer Soo
The cabinets and benchtop are inspired by Ladderax shelving units owned by the couple. The raku-glaze splashback tiles are from Sanctuary Makers, Melbourne. Credit: Jennifer Soo
The hallway is painted in antique white and features large artworks by Packer. The vintage chandeliers were bought from an antique store in Marrickville. Credit: Jennifer Soo
The bedroom looks out onto a courtyard that will be turned into an enclosed outdoor cat run in the near future. “That painting is by Cassie Nebenzahl whom I went to school with.” says Selina. Chair by Tessa Bedside tables Kartel Bed linen in Turmeric by Bed Threads from Planet in Surry Hills. Credit: Jennifer Soo
This formal dining room is used mostly for entertaining because the table pulls out to seat 10. Dining suite from Vampt. Kilim - Nazar Rugs Artworks by Chris Packer. Credit: Jennifer Soo
The house’s sloping roof accommodates the north facing clerestory windows that bring abundant light in.Credit: Jennifer Soo
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