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Sunday Life

This was published 11 months ago

Inside this restored 1890s inner-city home, complete with butler’s pantry

By Heather Nette King

This grand home in Melbourne’s east makes the most of its lofty space.

“I grew up in the country and my husband in the city; our home reflects both,” says Carrie Gourlay, seated in the open-plan space that opens out to a garden designed by Paul Bangay.
“I grew up in the country and my husband in the city; our home reflects both,” says Carrie Gourlay, seated in the open-plan space that opens out to a garden designed by Paul Bangay.Armelle Habib

The home
A circa 1890 Italianate villa in Melbourne’s inner east.

Who lives here
Carrie Gourlay, her husband Jono, a partner in a financial services firm, their children Charlotte, 12, Angus, 10, and George, 8, and the family dog, Humphrey.

What we did
“With architect Thom Mckenzie of ARLO, we restored the original house, rebuilt the living, dining and kitchen spaces, and added a second storey with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a playroom for the children,” says Gourlay. “I did the interiors, with help from a stylist friend.”

My favourite room
“I don’t have a favourite room,” says Gourlay. “I love my butler’s pantry as much as my pink drawing room and my husband’s library.”

“I love English farmhouse kitchens, particularly the style of [UK cabinetmakers] Plain English Design, which inspired our kitchen,” says Gourlay. “I feel the company gets the balance right between beauty, form and function.”  The oven is by Lacanche, and the French table is from Miguel Meirelles Antiques in Malvern.
“I love English farmhouse kitchens, particularly the style of [UK cabinetmakers] Plain English Design, which inspired our kitchen,” says Gourlay. “I feel the company gets the balance right between beauty, form and function.”  The oven is by Lacanche, and the French table is from Miguel Meirelles Antiques in Malvern.Armelle Habib
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The ’hood
“When we are not ferrying children to weekend sport, we walk to our favourite cafe, Bruno & Co, for coffee. We also love Albert’s Wine Bar for lunch or dinner, and The Leaf Store for flowers and groceries.”

Future plans
“None for this house, but we have plans for the re-imagining of our farmhouse on the Bellarine Peninsula,” says Gourlay.

Best advice
“Collect pieces you love, and design spaces that encourage a sense of togetherness and luxury,” says Gourlay.

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