Richmond Hill House is a stunning renovation blending heritage and contemporary design, nestled in the lively inner-Melbourne suburb of Richmond. This single-fronted terrace home beautifully balances the area’s rich architectural history with modern elements, creating a space that feels both timeless and cutting-edge...
The owners wanted to bring back the home's original charm while making it suitable for a modern, growing family. When By Mysa first inspected the property, they found it had been sadly neglected. The exterior cladding had been replaced with faux brick asbestos boards, and many of the original interior features were lost or damaged. The challenge was to expand and reimagine the home while preserving its heritage.
Careful dismantling of non-original structures revealed the home's original form, which was then lovingly restored. The space was transformed with dynamic interiors featuring built-in joinery to maximise storage and functionality. The design uses a restrained, neutral colour palette, making the space feel light and timeless, while vibrant stone accents and contrasting colours add moments of surprise and delight.
A new addition to the rear houses the living spaces. To make the most of the narrow site, and take advantage of a step in the property boundary, a banquette seat with built-in storage flanks the western wall. Both dining and living areas open via double sliding doors onto the outdoor entertaining area.
This project isn't just about restoration; it's also about sustainability. While it was a challenge to make the rear, south facing space feel light-filled, skylights and strategically placed windows and doors bring in natural light and ventilation, while eco-friendly, durable materials ensure the home is both low-maintenance and long-lasting.
The new family bathroom takes advantage of the neighbouring home's boundary wall with a large window letting light into this now luxurious space without compromising privacy. A datum line created by the stunning natural stone is a contemporary nod to the Victorian-era dados.
What was an awkwardly laid out home, dark and dilapidated, with the service area blocking access to the rear garden has been substantially transformed. Richmond Hill House today is virtually unrecognisable from the home the clients first purchased. However, the bones of the 100+ year-old home remain intact, reviving its legacy and history for a new family to enjoy.
Richmond Hill House has emerged from neglect as a beautifully restored and modernised home, ready to stand the test of time. By Mysa's thoughtful design and sustainable practices set a precedent for blending heritage with contemporary living, making it a standout addition to Richmond’s architectural landscape.
Click here for some before and after photos to see the extent of the transformation!
