Words Genevieve Meegan

Nicola Frazer suspected that once they’d finished the renovation on their stunning Kensington Park home, she and husband Dave Browne would start hankering for another project. And she was right.

“We had only just replaced the last fence a few months prior and we were already discussing channeling our energy into something else,” Nicola laughs.

Nicola and David, an environmental consultant, have owned the grand sandstone villa for 14 years. They undertook the major renovation four years ago with architects Williams Burton Leopardi.

“It was a stress free process,” says Nicola, who is a commercial advisor in the energy sector. “They are a brilliant team and they really walked us through it.”

“The aim of the renovation was to make every space in the house useable, so we altered it to make the most of the bedrooms and living spaces.”

The home at 4 Pembroke Street boasts four generous bedrooms, the master with ensuite, plus a separate living room leading out to a side terrace. There’s also a lower ground level with wine storage and space for a study, rumpus room or theatre room as it’s currently set up.

Features of the new open plan extension include double height windows allowing for loads of natural light, a sandstone feature wall and marble bench top and splash back in the kitchen. Sliding timber stack doors with retractable screens lead to the outdoor living zones complete with fully tiled, solar heated pool and pavilion. The water-wise garden has been designed by Virginia Kennett and there’s also a chook run and veggie garden.

“It will definitely be sad to leave this house,” Nicola says. “It’s very convenient to everything, it’s just metres from Pembroke School and on such a lovely street with great neighbours.”

Photo: Tony Lewis

As for the next project – the couple has bought a heritage home in Crafers West set on five acres and in need of restoration. They have again enlisted Williams Burton Leopardi to undertake the huge task of breathing new life into the old bones of the place.

Nicola grew up in Aldgate so it’s a “coming home” of sorts for her, while the big block of land will be well utilised by the couple’s three young children.

Best offers on 4 Pembroke Street are due by 12pm on May 14. The sale is being handled by Toop & Toop agent Sally Cameron.

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