Photography Eve Wilson | Furniture, Art & Object Simone Haag | Landscape Kate Patterson
Claremont’s pedigree is obvious from first glance. Delicate iron lacework across a white heritage facade and a blush-coloured stained-glass entrance honour the preserved elegance of this Victorian. Architectural features of the same era, both ornate and restrained, are respected throughout and offer a sense of familiarity and comfort.
Convention often dictates oversized rear extensions on heritage homes to compensate for their original layout and lack of light. Instead, Angela steered the focus towards creating a harmonizing experience, working with challenges like boundary and heritage constraints, an existing pool shell and respecting beloved features to shape the design journey. The rear of the house was completely rebuilt to find a delicate balance between spacious interiors and expansive outdoor areas. Wet areas were reconfigured and new glazed openings included throughout, ensuring that natural light and garden views could flood the home from every angle.
Balancing old and new, a pastel-hued guest bathroom showcases a rich burgundy-vein marble basin and vintage mirror, illuminated by a cast glass wall light. Solid brass hardware – handmade in India – amping up the femininity, adding a finishing touch.
In the rear addition, expansive steel glazing and verdant garden beyond are the perfect backdrop for a living space. Angela’s approach to new materials and finishes is uncomplicated in this space, and includes a muted grey backdrop layered with raw linen curtains, patinated brass hardware, and a deep green quartzite kitchen with a tactile, brushed surface. Bespoke cabinetry, with gentle curved corners and a custom moulding profile, deliver a subtle reference to the heritage ornamentation Angela carefully retained and honoured.
The serene, light filled interior also draws attention to the outdoors, with pool and thriving garden, alfresco kitchen and dining area effectively doubling the entertaining possibilities. The thoughtful curation of furniture, art, and objects by Simone Haag lends the home a sense of continuity and coherence, bridging the past and present with elegance and grace.
Claremont House reveals itself as a charmer from every angle. Blending old and new with a deft hand, through careful renovation and preservation it offers a warm, inviting atmosphere that weaves a spell of strength and confidence in celebration of the past, present and future.
