Reviving a Heritage Cottage in Sydney’s Inner West Suburbs
Heritage cottages are treasured gems in the fabric of Sydney’s neighbourhoods, carrying with them a charm and character that modern homes can rarely match. Their unique details — like ornate cornices, high skirting boards, and tessellated tile verandas — create an inviting warmth and a sense of history.
However, these beloved homes often come with age-related challenges, and bringing them up to date without losing their essence requires a skillful approach.
At Sure Space, we believe that heritage homes deserve renovations that preserve their soul while embracing the comforts of modern living.
Living in the Old Unrenovated Cottage
Our recent project in Stanmore tells a familiar story: a beautiful heritage cottage that had started showing signs of wear. Low eight-foot ceilings and aging features gave the home a closed-in feel, and in the living room, a large crack along the wall — due to settlement in the foundations over the 100-year life of the home — had grown more prominent over the years.
The backyard, occupied by a large double-car garage, left little space for outdoor living, while the interiors were compartmentalised and dimly lit.
The home was charming, but it was clear that it needed a thoughtful renovation to breathe new life into it.
Challenges of Renovating a Heritage Cottage
Renovating a heritage property brings unique hurdles, especially when trying to retain its original beauty. Older cottages often come with structural quirks, outdated layouts, and features that need careful handling.
In our Stanmore project, for instance, council approval was required for this large scale renovation and first floor addition. The task of working within heritage guidelines, understanding potential structural issues, and integrating modern elements seamlessly into a historic home is a complex process that requires expertise, patience, and respect for the property’s history.
Sure Space to the Rescue
Sure Space specialises in major renovations and additions across the Inner West and Eastern Suburbs, with a passion for revitalising heritage homes. Our team of experienced professionals, including our architect partners and Master Builder, Darren Long, works with homeowners to create spaces that are both functional and beautiful.
For this project, Sure Space began with a deep assessment to understand the home’s challenges. We don’t just renovate. We listen to the home’s history and to the dreams of its owners, creating a vision that honours both. By reimagining the space with vaulted ceilings, open-plan layouts, and a beautiful new kitchen, we kept the charm while providing fresh functionality.
Transforming Your Inner West and Eastern Suburbs Home with Sure Space
Before
After
The homeowners described working with Sure Space as seamless and supportive. Our team carefully addressed the home’s issues, such as the living room wall crack, which we traced back to a gap in the subfloor brick work and foundation subsidence. Fixing it brought peace of mind, as they felt confident knowing their home was in good hands.
From preserving the home’s original cornices and vintage lighting to adjusting plans to fit around new council and heritage requirements, Sure Space’s approach was both flexible and attentive. And the result? A transformed home that enhances the original beauty of the heritage cottage while creating bright, welcoming spaces for modern living.
Hear It from the Client
From the tessellated tiles on the veranda to the open, light-filled living area and beautiful navy kitchen, this home is designed for both style and function.
Talk to Us about Your Heritage Home Renovation in the Inner West and Eastern Suburbs
If you’re dreaming of breathing new life into your heritage home in the Inner West or Eastern Suburbs, Sure Space is here to help.
Talk to us today about how we can make your dream renovation a reality — without compromising the character that makes your home truly unique.
