Photography: Alana Landsberry / Styling: Nonci Nyoni
Decorating and designing go hand-in-hand when moving into a newly purchased home. However, for the homeowner of this heritage house, detective work was also at the top of the to-do list. “I was determined to find out what the story was with this house,” she says of the Georgian-style build in Sydney’s Upper North Shore. Along with her husband, she collected the keys in April 2021 and was immediately captivated by its rich history, dating back to 1938. Named ‘Kepdowrie’ for the first owner’s Scottish ancestry, the home was originally designed by renowned architect Leith McCredie and received a sensitive renovation from this homeowner.
Why do historic homes feel so special?
Historian Penelope J Corfield once posited that “all people are living histories”, meaning we are a direct result of our pasts. Our homes, too, are much the same, evolving alongside us while still representing a bridge to bygone times. It was this connection to previous generations, mixed with the potential for a second wind, that made the current owner of this heritage house fall in love at first sight. “I knew the minute I walked in,” she says, having purchased the property with her husband within six days of their first inspection.
Inside story
Who lives here? The director of Sapphire Designs and Interiors, her tech executive husband, their two teenage children and the family’s Cavoodle, Molly.
What do you love most about historical homes? Homeowner: “There’s always a story within the walls. It feels solid, homely and warm.”
What are the biggest challenges of living in a heritage home? “There are a lot of legacy systems that you need to be prepared to upgrade.”
What’s your favourite room? “The kitchen and lounge area. By removing two walls and introducing French doors, we welcome in sunlight that floods the space all day.”
Situated on Sydney’s Upper North Shore, the home dates back to 1938 and was designed by Leith McCredie, an Australian architect well known for his work on the Bondi Pavilion. The homeowners and their two teenage children had lived in Singapore for seven years before returning to Australia. “When you live in a rental, everything is temporary and modern,” says the homeowner. “I wanted to make a home where you could sit on a comfy lounge, look out the window to the garden, bring the kids back to their roots.”
Heritage house discoveries
During the homeowner’s renovation, remnants of the past came to light, such as a servant’s button, previously buried beneath an old layer of carpet. Driven by curiosity, she researched the history of the grand home and discovered the original owner was Dr Stuart Scougall, an orthopaedic surgeon who also played a significant role in establishing the Art Gallery of NSW’s collection of Aboriginal art. Excitingly, he had even invited the Home Beautiful team to photograph Kepdowrie for the June 1944 issue of the magazine.
The article detailed the Georgian architecture of the home as well as its sublime garden, which was Stuart’s pride and joy. To gain a deeper understanding of the abode, the current owner reached out to Stuart’s grandchildren, with whom she developed a beautiful connection that enriched her sense of custodianship towards this slice of living history. She sourced original floor plans, which included maid’s quarters and a ‘telephone room’. The family also recalled garden parties hosted with Davis Cup competitors. The past was no longer a concept, but a tangible gem that the current owner is contributing to. “I hosted a garden party and it was lovely, knowing 50 years ago someone was hosting theirs,” she reflects.
How to decorate a heritage house
The brief was to bring the interiors into the 21st century without erasing the heritage house charm. The ground floor, consisting of small, closed-off rooms, was transformed into an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, complete with new French doors leading to the garden and large windows to maximise natural light. The first floor benefitted from cosmetic updates and an extension was added, housing the garage, mezzanine office, powder room and more.
The homeowner, who is also the director of Sapphire Designs and Interiors, then turned her attention to the decor. The palette was informed by the garden vistas that gently complement the natural tones, offering a timelessness that suits the stately home without feeling like a pastiche. It is sensitive to all that has come before, but proudly stands on its own. “I feel lucky to be part of the history of the home,” she reflects. “A house finds you, I’ve heard. I’m glad this house did.”
Tour the heritage house
The front door was custom-made by Sydney Woodworkers and finished in Dulux Satin Black. Twin FP Collection ‘Lucca’ urns in Ash Grey from Flower Power frame the entrance, alongside outdoor wall sconces from Beacon Lighting.
“We’re lucky to have a home that has a story to it, to know what that story is and add our own” – Homeowner
Entrance
Molly the Cavoodle loves the Provincial Home Living rug and Woodos floorboards in the entrance of this heritage house.
Kitchen
Created by Dégabriele Kitchens and Interiors, timeless appeal mixes with modern conveniences in the new open-plan kitchen. The homeowner selected a statement 40-millimetre thick benchtop from Gitani Stone. The stone’s light hue complements the white subway-tiled splashback from Marble Plus. Pops of contrast and colour come in the form of Coco Republic stools, existing terrazzo kitchen flooring and Roman blinds from The Curtain Factory. ‘Marino’ pendants in Oil Rubbed Bronze from Urban Lighting complete the scene.
Living
The first significant change involved turning the living room into an open-plan space. “There were three to four rooms in the kitchen area and we knocked all the walls down and created one big, open space,” shares the homeowner. “We put French doors across the back, so the whole space was opened up. And, because it’s a north-facing block, all the sunlight comes in at the back of the house. It’s absolutely beautiful.”
A Nick Scali ‘Dream’ sofa in Slate offers plentiful seating, topped with cushions from Walter G and a Cultiver ‘Mira’ throw in Enzo. The sense of a soft landing continues through the space with Hycraft ‘Pegasus’ carpet in Apollo from Carpet Right. The coffee table is adorned with books from Kinokuniya and a Provincial Home Living ‘Kylix’ urn.
We love… sheer elegance
The stately curtains, with their contrasting rods and finials, form classic window dressings that complement this characterful abode. The homeowner opted for soft James Dunlop Textiles ‘Balance’ fabric in Cloud for the sheers, to provide privacy without sacrificing sunlight. The new French doors feature handles by Keeler Hardware, which complement the hue of the curtain fabric. For similar, visit thecurtainfactory.net.
Main bedroom
Lovely layers of blues and whites add a classic appeal to the couple’s room, ambiently lit by a ‘Langley’ Cafe Lighting lamp.
Ensuite
The bright palette in the ensuite is courtesy of ‘TB Calacatta’ porcelain tiles from Marble Plus, custom cabinetry by CRS Joinery finished in Dulux Vanilla Quake and a Cosentino vanity top.
Guest bedroom
A Cultiver quilted bedcover in Pinstripe and Walter G cushions complement the Lavender Hill Interiors bedhead in the guest room.
Powder room
‘In the Hamptons’ Olive et Oriel wallpaper tones beautifully with the Dulux Prestige Blue of the Shaker-style vanity in the powder room. Powder rooms can present an opportunity to go bold on design choices, which this homeowner proudly did, mixing wallpaper, wainscoting and bold colour.
Laundry
The homeowner drew the outside in with soft shades of green in the laundry, choosing a subway-clad splashback from Tiles By Kate and a botanical ‘Allium’ fabric in Jewel by Charles Parsons Interiors for the Roman blind from The Curtain Factory.
“I really took a lot of inspiration from the gardens. It’s a calm and peaceful environment” – Homeowner
Alfresco dining and living
Laid with large ‘Sinai Pearl’ limestone pavers from Marble Plus, the homeowner refreshed the rear patio. A ‘Java’ outdoor table from Provincial Home Living teams perfectly with ‘Zulu’ outdoor dining chairs from Domayne.
Exterior
One of the original features of this heritage house is the ornate exterior wall lamp that dates back to 1940 and illuminates the side of the home, where red bricks meet sandstone quoins. These traditional accents communicate harmoniously with recent additions. Now that the renovation is complete, the homeowner is thrilled with the sensitive update that honours the original owners and their thoughtful design. “I love living here,” she says. “I feel really proud that I’ve done something like this and created this beautiful memory.”
Source book
Interior design: Sapphire Designs and Interiors, sapphiredesignsandinteriors.com.
Architect: Bean Project Management and Design, beanprojects.com.au.
Builder: Jim Wilson Constructions, jimwilsonconstructions.com.
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