Victorian-era house transforms after major renovation

A Victorian-era house in Brunswick has been transformed after extensive renovations undertaken by a couple during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Matt Smyth and his now wife Emma Rigby bought their first home in August 2020 on the day Melbourne entered its second lockdown.

“We bought the house on the day we went into the second lockdown,” Mr Smyth said.

“It was around the time when everyone was predicting prices would tank due to the ‘mortgage cliff’, so it felt quite risky at the time.”

The three-bedroom Brunswick home was very different to what it is now, having not been touched since the 1950s.

“The house hadn’t been touched since the 1950s but because of the significant work needed, it fell into our price range,” he said.

“With the deep block, we knew that eventually, with a lot of work, it would be a ripper house.”

The couple set out to achieve this transformation through extensive renovations, though the project took considerably longer than expected due to planning requirements, the pandemic and material shortages.

The extension features a large, open-plan kitchen, dining and living area built on a heated, polished concrete slab, as well as a double garage and the conversion of the old living room into an ensuite and main bathroom.

Mr Smyth said the biggest difference from the original house was its temperature control.

“The biggest difference from what it was before is the fact that it’s warm in winter and cool in summer,” he said.

“Putting in proper insulation, double-glazed windows in the extension, and providing the option of panel heaters, underfloor heating, split systems in all the major rooms and a wood-burning fire has completely changed the enjoyment of living in the classic, draughty Victorian weatherboard.”

The renovation has transformed the heritage property from its 1950s condition into a modern, comfortable home while maintaining its Victorian character.