From overgrown and neglected to a renovated mid-century marvel

The history of this mid-century marvel is a rich tapestry that traces its evolution under the care of various custodians who have each added their unique thread.

The initial groundwork for the modernist icon was laid in 1971 by Graeme Amos, an industrial designer and co-founder of the architectural firm O’Neill, Pilli, Amos.

• Who lives here: Interior designer and project manager Erica George, electrician and foreman Damon McKinnon, with their two children, Harrison and Frankie
• Type of property: Beautifully renovated mid-century home
• Address: 17 Colonsay Street, Templestowe, Victoria
• Price guide: $4.7 million-$5.1 million

In 1973, the home came under the care of Michael and Patricia Fielding and their three children, who introduced a familial warmth to the residence and added a swimming pool.

Then, in 1981, David Parkin – who was Carlton Football Club’s senior coach at the time – and his wife Margaret took ownership, adding to the property’s grandeur and leisure appeal with a tennis court.

Later, Ian Aikenhead became the steward of this architectural wonder. However, maintaining such a large property became challenging, and it was left vacant for around four years, awaiting revival.

Interior designer and project manager Erica George and electrician and foreman Damon McKinnon renovated a mid-century home in Templestowe.Credit: Natalie Jeffcott

Enter interior designer and project manager Erica George, electrician and foreman Damon McKinnon and their two preschoolers, Harrison and Frankie.

In 2021, the family became the latest custodians of this enduring home. Despite finding the property overgrown and neglected, they recognised its inherent potential.

“We were struck by its unique character and great bones, including its double-brick construction, split-level floor plan, and classic flat roof,” George says.

“It has a unique 10-metre long sunken entry with no windows or views, leading straight to the single front door, as though you’re entering an exclusive house party in a James Bond movie.”

Erica and Damon saw the home’s potential.Credit: Natalie Jeffcott

The pair embarked on a major renovation, merging respect for its origins with modern flair. George led the design and project management, while McKinnon was hands-on in almost every aspect.

“The goal was to highlight the home’s features, sourcing natural materials like wood, terrazzo, metal and glass, aiming to make spaces more functional,” George says.

“A true highlight is the gorgeous blackbutt timber ceilings throughout, including at the entrance and carport.”

This design feature is also prominent in the main living room. George highlights the light and views of this space, with floor-to-ceiling windows spanning two sides of the room.

The pair embarked on a major renovation, merging respect for its origins with modern flair.

“The living areas are situated on lower levels of the split-level floor plan, allowing for ceilings that span 3.6 metres high,” she says. “Oversized windows then add to the feeling of openness, framing bush outlooks of the Ruffey Creek Trail.”

Twelve new skylights bring in more natural light, as does a new window to the kitchen splashback.

The interior colour scheme is subtle with strategic colour accents.

“We’ve used calacatta marble in verde and viola tones, as seen in the kitchen and bathrooms,” George says. “The dining room is fitted with a terrazzo bench featuring a leather cushioned seat and an alpaca velvet backrest.”

Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the outdoors in the light-filled living room.

Outside, the extensive work continued with a suspended slab to extend the outdoor living and entertaining space.

Adjacent is a 2.7-metre deep pool, refreshed with Italian glass mosaics and a new, micro cement coping. A 40-metre concrete retaining wall was constructed along the tennis court boundary.

“Inspired by Palm Springs landscapes, we also redesigned the garden, integrating it with the native Australian bush block,” George says.

“Recent efforts have included reshaping, irrigation and planting, transforming the entire acre – we are thrilled with the result and can’t wait to see it all flourish.”

‘The goal was to highlight the home’s features, sourcing natural materials like wood, terrazzo, metal and glass,’ George says.

Although the property is positioned in the middle of suburban Templestowe, only a 25-minute drive from Melbourne CBD, it appears to be hours away in the country.

“It’s always so quiet and peaceful with beautiful bird life and delightful sunsets to enjoy,” George says. “We’re also only walking distance to Templestowe Village, home to some fantastic cafes and restaurants.”

George and McKinnon’s two-and-a-half-year renovation journey has been filled with hard work and rewarding moments.

“We have been staring into an empty pool, wondering what it’s going to be like to swim in it, and only recently, when the pool was filled, Damon was straight in there, even before the heating and filtration was commissioned,” George says. “Albeit very cold, it was definitely a victorious moment.”

The dining room is fitted with a terrazzo bench featuring a leather cushioned seat and an alpaca velvet backrest.

The couple also had a visit during the renovation from two daughters of previous owners, who shared stories and photos of their childhood upbringing at the house.

“When we purchased the property, some neighbours also shared their fond memories of the annual tennis tournaments held at the property by a previous owner, when cars would line the street,” George says.

“It seems this home tends to leave a lasting mark on people, including us, and I’m sure the next owners won’t be any different.”

This article was originally published by Domain.com.au. Reproduced with permission.