realestate.com.au / Instagram
After announcing the sale of his Berry cottage, Neale Whitaker’s new renovation project in the same picturesque NSW town.
Swapping their acreage for a home in town, the quaint new purchase comes tailored to the My Reno Rules host. The Berry property boasts four bedrooms and multiple living spaces, each packed with heritage charm.
Now, Neale says the finishing line is on the horizon. In a new Instagram video Neale shows how far they’ve come on the house, with paint going up on the walls inside and out.
A glimpse into the backyard shows the gorgeous pool and manicured gardens.
The original home
The cottage was built circa 1916, the Federation home encapsulates all the charm and style of country living. A white, weatherboard cottage with hedge-lined gardens, the property is a fairytale in Berry village. Among its most notable heritage features are soaring ceilings, decorative mouldings, and a Baltic Pine hardwood floor.
In the kitchen you’ll also find an antique Younger No.2 stove, built in to the raw brick wall.
In addition to a large formal living and dining space, the sizeable cottage has a family room, sunroom, and additional casual dining areas, which extend to a covered entertaining deck overlooking the in-ground pool.
Neale Whitaker’s new renovation
Neale has described the home as having “good bones”, “perfect” for himself and husband David Novak-Piper, per realestate.com.au. In another Instagram post, Neale explained that he and David were downsizing to avoid the considerable upkeep associated with their previous acreage. However, he assured there was a “big renovation journey” ahead of them at their new home, the details of which he would divulge at a later date.
The design guru has since shared on his Instagram exciting updates. “Painting has started,” he tells the camera, walking through the home that is now very much a construction site.
Walking the camera through the house, Neale explains how the house has plumbers underneath, and insulation being installed. In a separate video, Neale shows off Hardie Groove VJ panelling in place in their second and third guest bedroom. In boxes, electric fire places from Charlton & Jenrick are ready to be unpacked and installed.
The main bathroom, which has been completely gutted and is ready for install, features a stunning stained bathroom that unfortunately won’t be staying in the home. “We have found a new home and life for that window,” explains Neale.
Out the back in the garden, new square pavers are being laid down. “We’re going to have an avenue of pavers leading up to that beautiful brick fireplace.” The pavers and fireplace will be surrounded by trees and grass.
If we’re to consider Neale and David’s previous Berry renovation, the cottage will retain its character and Federation features. Instead, we can expect a more cosmetic makeover, with new tiles and carpets where called for, plus furnishings to marry Neale’s famous taste.
Speaking to Elle Lovelock on The Edit podcast, Neale confessed he’s obsessed with an Icelandic aesthetic, including beautiful raw textures and a nature-inspired hues. Just don’t expect to find a throw blanket anywhere in his home!
“I think I would ban throws,” he said on the podcast. “I think throws can make a perfectly nice room look really scruffy.” And if there’s one thing we could never accuse Neale Whitaker of — it’s being scruffy! Listen to more interiors advice from Neale on The Edit by Home Beautiful on YouTube or anywhere you get your podcasts:
