How a Sydney family turned an old general store in Hunters Hill into a sandstone dream home

Alexandra House in Hunters Hill is like a cat with nine lives.

Originally a general store, the 10-room stone residence housed, at various times, a hairdresser, a florist, a beautician and multiple restaurants before being gutted by a deliberately lit fire in 2004.

The heritage-listed property was boarded up until former Hunters Hill residents Bridget and Peter Hawthorne came to its rescue in 2011 with plans to convert the two-storey premises into a family home.

“The biggest challenge was the sheer size of it and knowing what to keep and what to throw away,” says Bridget.

It took 10 months to make the place habitable and the Hawthornes continued to work on it after they moved in.

A visit today reveals expansive living spaces flooded with light, with 3.9-metre ceilings and sandstone walls.

The property was originally a general store, and a host of businesses later on. 
Photo: Supplied

The original archway dividing the shopfront from the storeroom provides entry to the kitchen with stainless and Corian benchtops and Miele appliances. There’s a walk-in pantry at one end and access to a laundry at the other.

Also at ground level is a big second living room currently used as a sitting room and home office. A decadent bathroom features black tapware and clerestory windows.

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The facade has retained its heritage character. 
Photo: Supplied

Glass doors open from the kitchen to the garden, where a courtyard and expanse of lawn provide an ideal play space. At the back of the block with access from the rear lane you’ll find a double garage and storeroom or studio space.

The four bedrooms, three with built-in wardrobes, are upstairs along with a second family bathroom and a full-width, north-facing lace balcony.

The house scored a National Trust Award in 2014. 
Photo: Supplied

The hard work garnered a National Trust Award in 2014 and the locals are delighted to see the reincarnation of Alexandra House. “We got so much support,” says Bridget. “It was lovely being involved with a project where everyone was happy.”

“The current owners were brave taking on this labour-of-love project,” says Matthew Ward of Ward Partners, who is taking the home to an August 25 auction.

“They have achieved a remarkable transformation – you get a real sense of excitement as you walk through the home.”

You can expect to pay between $4.25 million and $4.5 million for Alexandra House. 
Photo: Supplied

The residence currently has a price guide of $4.25 million to $4.5 million.