Let’s talk about Figtree House by Potter&Wilson, a gorgeous renovation in the Inner West of Sydney that has given a much-loved Federation bungalow a serious glow-up. Sitting on Gadigal land, this home has been in the same family for over 50 years, which means it's loaded with both history and heart. And with a heritage-listed Fig Tree in the backyard as old as the house itself, this renovation is about more than just new paint and polished floors—it's a full-on blend of old charm and contemporary cool.
The original house was your classic four-bedroom Federation bungalow, but it had a bit of a problem. The backyard—home to that glorious fig tree—wasn’t exactly easy to access. There was a steep drop separating the house from the garden, plus a series of later lean-to additions that didn't really do the place any favours.
And then there's the Fig Tree itself—this isn’t just some run-of-the-mill tree, mind you. It’s a heritage-listed beauty that’s been watching over the house for as long as anyone can remember. The renovation had to work around it, but why wouldn’t you? It’s basically the heart and soul of the garden. Beneath its sprawling canopy, there's now a quaint little library—an ideal spot for quiet reflection, or let's be real, a sneaky afternoon nap.
The renovation was all about balancing respect for the home's history with the desire to bring it into the 21st century. The family wanted the house restored thoughtfully, and Potter&Wilson delivered. The original slate roof, which had been swapped out for terracotta at some point, was given a second chance. In a lucky twist, broken slate shingles were discovered in the roof space during construction, so the team could restore it to its former glory.
Inside, the traditional layout remained mostly intact because, well, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. However, there were a few practical tweaks—a second bathroom and a laundry were added, because even historic homes need to keep up with modern life.
Now, let’s talk about that rear end. (Of the house, of course!) The old, awkward lean-tos at the back were ripped out and replaced with a stunning new living area and kitchen under a high gabled roof. This new space steps down from the original house, easing the transition to the lower garden level. With landscaped terraces leading you down to that fig tree-shaded oasis, it’s all about creating flow—both in movement and style.
The materials and form of the new extension were chosen to complement the existing bungalow and, of course, that mighty Fig Tree. But don’t be fooled—this isn’t some slavish replication of the old house. While it nods to the original design with its material palette, the new living space and library are distinctly contemporary. It’s a beautiful balancing act of old and new, proving that heritage doesn’t have to mean stuffy or stuck in the past.
Figtree House renovation is a testament to what can happen when you respect a home’s history while making it work for modern living. With its lovingly restored Federation charm, practical upgrades, and a killer new living space that connects seamlessly to the garden, this house is ready for another 50 years of family memories. And let's not forget that library tucked beneath the fig tree—a perfect spot to kick back, relax, and reflect on the beauty of blending past and present.
Old homes can absolutely keep up with the times—if you treat them with the care and creativity they deserve.