Newtown – Victorian cottage renovation

This Victorian cottage renovation in Wellington transformed an existing home and extension into a light-filled, family-friendly retreat. Our clients—a young family—wanted a safe and secure home with better access to their large rear garden, while preserving the cottage’s original charm.

A key design focus was to restore the heritage character of the original home. Local architect, Judi Keith-Brown, visually separated the cottage from the later addition, reinstating the hipped roofline and rebuilding the garage and verandah to reflect how the property would have looked when first built.

The home extension was completely reimagined—adding an extra storey, extending the ground floor, and incorporating a bright, open staircase. The new ground floor living area features a spacious, west-facing kitchen illuminated by three large skylights, with open-plan dining and lounge spaces that flow onto a curved deck leading directly into the garden.

Upstairs, the new main bedroom suite offers privacy and comfort, while a charming window seat at the top of the stairs provides the perfect spot for afternoon reading with the children.

This  blends Victorian elegance with modern functionality, creating a warm, welcoming home that connects seamlessly to outdoor living.

Photography: Andy Spain