Knockdown-rebuild leads to a fashionable transformation in Narrabundah

Fashion designer Susan Sharp loves redesigning a home. She has completed a string of renovation projects in Canberra and her latest house in Narrabundah is a stunner.

“I really love a beautiful home and going in and transforming something that is boring or out of date and bringing it up to standard and the current times, and making it efficient as well as beautiful to look at,” Susan says.

Number 5 Tarana Street was a knockdown-rebuild completed in 2015 with her partner Christopher Deeble and builders Sutton and Horsley.

The gourmet kitchen, travertine-tiled bathroom and light-filled living areas are a world away from the previous home.

The little “asbestos two-bedroom cottage” had reached the end of its life and Susan had a vision of a low-maintenance, executive home ideal for professional couples or downsizers.

“It wasn’t going to be a large home, we wanted one level, no stairs and we wanted a luxury build with plenty of storage,” Susan says.

A flexible design ensures it will also suit families.

The main suite’s walk-in wardrobe was originally the home’s fourth bedroom and could easily be converted back.

Plans for an attached studio have also been designed and approved, which Susan says could be used as a teenager’s retreat, home office or Airbnb, given its central location.

“It’s very convenient,” Susan says.

“We’ve got a bridal shop in Kingston and I walk to work.”

The couple will be moving on to the next project but they’re going to miss Narrabundah.

“It’s just a lovely place to live in and lovely neighbours, which is really nice,” Susan says.

“We will miss it a bit, but we’ll come back to see our neighbours.”

Auction: Saturday, July 22, at 11.30am, onsite. Inspect: Saturday, 3pm-3.45pm. Agents: Steve Lowe and Jeremy Grobben, One Agency Kippax 0414 720 532 or 0412 552 751.