A New Chapter

A complete restoration of an 1800s Parnell villa, carefully returning its original character through considered craftsmanship, authentic detailing, and a deep respect for its heritage.

Hunt Residence

DETAIL

This project called for a complete restoration of an 1800s Parnell villa, with a focus on preserving its original character while carefully returning the home to its former condition.

The restoration extended across the entire home, from extensive weatherboard rot repairs and a new deck and verandah roof, to the repair and restoration of the original timber joinery. The sash windows were carefully removed and restored by our team, preserving their original character while returning them to full working order. Both the interior and exterior were fully repainted, complemented by a new kitchen, laundry, and bathroom with bespoke cabinetry.

The client’s distinctive and original style is woven throughout the home, with a palette of deep, grounding greens, dark greys, and considered red accents creating spaces that feel warm, comforting, and deeply personal. Every element was approached with care and respect for the villa’s heritage - restoring what could be saved, repairing what had been lost to time, and allowing both the home’s history and the client’s individual style to shine through.

Completed: June 2026

Client Review

"Renovating a villa built in 1898, with a considerable amount of delayed maintenance, comes with a particular mix of excitement and uncertainty and inevitable unknowns. We wanted to retain the character of our home while making it work for the way we live today—and a building team we could trust to manage the complexities along the way.

From the outset, 9 House gave us that confidence.

The quoting process was fast, detailed and realistic, with the uncertainties inherent in a 120-plus-year-old house clearly identified from the beginning. As an LBP, Ruben brought professionalism alongside considerable building skill and respect for his craft, and his team, Foreman Jordon and Apprentice Lucas, reflected the same values. They understood when to retain, repurpose and repair, when reinvention was necessary, and how new work could sit comfortably alongside the original.

Karla’s operations management was equally strong and integral to the success of the project. Communication was prompt and transparent; variations were identified early, quickly priced and tracked; and we had real-time visibility of budget against actual expenditure. Subcontractors were well coordinated and professional, keeping the project moving without delays.

The result was a significant achievement for a renovation of this complexity: delivered on time and to budget. Throughout, the 9 House team approached the inevitable discoveries of an old house pragmatically and collaboratively, always looking for the thoughtful solution rather than simply the easiest one.

Ultimately, a renovation is as much about the people as the building. Over five months you go from strangers to becoming deeply invested in each other’s lives. The 9 House team managed the idiosyncrasies of an old house—and its owners—with good humour and pragmatism. They were patient when decisions needed thinking through but also knew exactly when a supportive nudge was required to keep us, and the project, on track.

We now have a home that feels and looks wonderful! Considered and authentic—the new sits seamlessly alongside the old. We recommend 9 House without hesitation. They combined craftsmanship and respect for the building with rigorous project management, financial transparency and delivered a genuinely positive client experience."

Janice Hunt