A Historical Townhouse Renovation

Photography by Sharyn Cairns

BUILT…

in 1862 for celebrated landscape artist Eugene von Guerard, the Little Parndon townhouse has served host to generations of creative minds. Changing hands only three times since its erection, in 1939 the structure was turned over to noted politician Lord Casey and his author / artist / aviator wife, Lady Casey. While the couple renovated in the 1950s, the interiors remained unchanged until 2013 when architect Emma Templeton signed on to breathe new life into the historical abode…

MOVING…

in with her partner and two young children, Templeton’s new home came steeped in history, charm and an ample dose of heritage regulations. The most challenging of these imposed strict protections on the 1950s decor and included demands for the preservation of peeling dated wallcoverings.

ACTING…

equal parts resident, architect, and designer, Templeton navigated the home’s unique assets and challenges with grace – negotiating the wallpaper preservation to one wall per room while bringing the remainder of the home up to date, via a combination of improved circulation, light , and warm contemporary decor.

IN A NOD…

to the home’s first owner, Templeton incorporated several notable works of landscape art, including an striking Salt And Sky piece from Australian / American photographer Brooke Holm. Other statement pieces speak to Templeton’s A&D expertise – with such contemporary covetables as Sebastian Herkner’s Bell Side Table and Apparatus studio’s lighting designs playing off sensitive architectural interventions – all working together to usher a soulful 19th century home into a wonderfully functional 21st.