102 / AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN
A
desire for independence at close quarters led Claudine and
Kane Sheppard to seek a home that offered plenty of play
space for their daughters Evie, six, and Georgia, four, plus
self-contained adjoining accommodation for Claudine’smother, Junette. “I knew exactly what I wanted,” says Claudine. “A
two-storey home that provided easy access to the outdoors for our
family on the lower level, and a separate residence upstairs for Mum.”
The house they fell in love with was a character-filled 1920s cottage
in Brisbane’s east. But with only three bedrooms over a single storey,
they would need to renovate to create the space they desired. Undaunted,
the Sheppard clan moved in and began putting their ideas on paper.
After a year of planning, the renovation took just six months to
complete. The cottage was raised and refurbished to create a self-
contained two-bedroom unit for Junette. Underneath, they built a
spacious new three-bedroom family home. Next, the backyard was
levelled to enable the children to roam freely between indoors and out.
Claudine says completing the project within the $350,000 budget was
a challenge given their wish to respect the craftsmanship of the original
home and the need to excavate in order to level the site. But bring it in
on budget they did. “We saved a lot of money by using the same classic
white tiles and marble throughout – there’s no wastage as offcuts could
be used elsewhere,” says Claudine. “We were fortunate also that >
‘ I love being involved in the
wonderful birthday parties that
we have in the back garden.’
JunetteLIVING / “We painted the walls and ceilings the same crisp
white to create a gallery feel,” says Claudine. “Using the same
colour greatly reduced the costs too since no cutting in was
required.” Sofas, French and English. Armchairs, Gilles &
Franck. The coffee table is a revamped family piece. Rug and
lamp, Oliveaux Interiors. Sideboard, Botticelli House. Painting
by Gunnar Zilo. Side tables found on Gumtree.
DINING / The dining table, a custom-made piece bought
second-hand from Claudine’s friend, interior designer Judy
Elliott, is teamed with slip-covered chairs from Ikea and
carver chairs from Gilles & Franck. Chandelier, Early Settler
& Recollections. Painting by Richard Bressy.
FOR WHERE TO BUY, SEE PAGE 194. Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow.H&G HOUSES