Elsternwick Home (Prentice St Elsternwick) is a carefully considered transformation of a modest Victorian cottage into a calm, contemporary family retreat. Having lived in the home for over 15 years, the clients sought to honour its heritage character while reimagining it for modern family life, prioritising simplicity, adaptability, and a strong connection to the garden.

The original façade and front rooms were retained and restored, preserving the home’s place within the heritage streetscape. Beyond, a restrained single-storey addition introduces a quiet contemporary counterpoint. Rather than increasing size, the design focuses on reduction. Every space works hard, adapts over time, and contributes to a cohesive, serene whole.

A pair of steel-framed glazed doors marks the threshold between old and new, shifting the experience from contained to open. Skylights and full-height glazing draw soft natural light deep into the plan, while living spaces open seamlessly to a Palm Springs inspired landscape with pergola and plunge pool, extending daily life outdoors.

Internally, a muted palette of whitewashed timber and monochrome finishes creates warmth through restraint. Concealed joinery, cavity sliders, and multi-use spaces allow the home to expand and contract with ease, maintaining flexibility without visual clutter.

Sustainability and longevity underpin the project, with a modest footprint, locally sourced materials, and fully electric systems designed for long-term performance.

Reflecting a high level of trust, the clients engaged Merrylees to design the home in its entirety, from architecture and interiors through to furniture selection and styling. This holistic approach ensured every element was considered as part of a unified vision, resulting in a home that feels effortless, cohesive, and quietly refined.

The result is a home defined by “quiet wow”, light-filled, adaptable, and deeply connected to the lives of its occupants, where heritage and contemporary architecture coexist with clarity and calm.