Restoring heritage beauty on Selling Houses Australia in pretty Camden, New South Wales
It’s just as pretty as a picture in south-west Sydney’s historic Camden, with every house just so… Well, maybe not every house, as landscape designer Dennis Scott and interior designer Wendy Moore discovered on Selling Houses Australia
Photography Melissa Heath/Selling Houses Australia
On episode nine of Selling Houses Australia Series 17, we met Cindy, a widow and single mum who was in a bind after purchasing a new home before selling her previous one. The charming Victorian-era house she bought was struggling to attract buyers, primarily due to its mismatched Spanish facade that clashed with the area's heritage charm. With a focus on restoring the home's original beauty, Dennis Scott took charge of the exterior transformation, while I worked with a modest budget to make impactful changes and updates inside. Our goal was to create a cohesive, inviting space that would capture the hearts of potential buyers, highlighting the home's classic features while adding a touch of modern elegance perfect for Camden's picturesque setting. But did we achieve it? Continue reading and use the slider to see the before and after images of this lovely home!
Selling Houses Camden’s facade transformation
The most pressing issue was the home's Spanish-style facade, which was completely out of place in Camden's heritage-rich streetscape. With the local council's blessing, Dennis removed the facade to reveal the original Victorian charm beneath. This was crucial in aligning the home with the area's historic appeal. He painted the exterior in a classic earthy tone and added a decorative design above the windows to enhance its period features.
“Dennis had his work cut out for him – this home’s outside did not match its inside! It was a huge job to update the facade”~ Interior designer Wendy Moore, Selling Houses Australia
Camden Selling Houses needed a charming kitchen
Inside, the kitchen was functional but dated, with a layout that didn't do justice to the home's potential. I opted for a cosmetic update, replacing the benchtops with a beautiful new surface that added a touch of elegance. The new Caesarstone benchtop has a double lamb tongue’s edge to add that heritage vibe the zone needed.
An Undermount Fireclay sink is matched with a Modern National Bordeaux Kitchen Mixer Black, both from The Blue Space. I used the same tiles as in the bathroom for a sense of continuity - these are hexagon shaped Carrara marble mosaics from Tile Factory Outlet (7524), and we created the pattern by adding in some black Marquina black marble (7670) ones, too. New cabinet handles – they’re die-cast zinc handles (HT600) and knobs (HT620) from Kethy – and a fresh coat of paint completed the transformation, creating a kitchen that felt both modern and in harmony with the home's heritage.
Interior designer Wendy Moore updates the living spaces
The living areas were blessed with high ceilings and beautiful period features, but they needed a little love to truly shine. I introduced a soft, neutral colour palette to brighten the space and highlight the home's architectural details. New lighting fixtures and window treatments from Wynstan added warmth and sophistication, creating a welcoming environment that felt both elegant and comfortable. The S-fold curtains in Granite coloured fabric were installed over the existing shutters on a rod with finial to give a traditional look. The transformation was remarkable, turning a tired space into a bright and inviting haven.
Budget renovation in the Camden master bedroom
The master bedroom was already a good size, but it needed a refresh to match the home's new aesthetic. I chose calming colours and luxurious textiles to create a serene retreat. The addition of floor-to-ceiling curtains (again, Wynstan’s S-fold curtains in Granite) helped to accentuate the room's high ceilings and added a touch of elegance.
Interior design solutions for a dated family bathroom
The main bathroom was a different story. It was a sea of blue tiles that clashed with the rest of the house. I opted for a classic black and white theme, using mosaic tiles to add a touch of elegance - the same as in the kitchen (hexagon shaped Carrara marble mosaics from Tile Factory Outlet (7524), with Marquina black marble (7670) to make the pattern). The new vanity and fixtures brought the bathroom into the 21st century while respecting the home's heritage. This one is a Timberline Victoria floor standing vanity with under counter basin from The Blue Space. That’s where I found all the fittings and fixtures too, from the Phoenix Cromford range, all in matte black to keep it modern while providing a heritage nod via shape. This transformation turned a once mismatched bathroom into a chic and inviting space that felt like it truly belonged in this beautiful Victorian home.
Landscape gardener Dennis Scott transforms the garden
Dennis worked wonders on the outdoor areas, transforming the front garden into a formal yet low-maintenance space that complemented the home's Victorian style. The new pathway, laid with travertine tiles in a French pattern, led the eye to the beautifully restored facade. The garden was planted with a selection of heritage-style plants, creating a lush and inviting entrance. This transformation not only enhanced the home's curb appeal but also made it a true reflection of Camden's historic charm.
What was the Selling Houses Camden sale price?
Camden is a sought-after area, known for its historic homes and country charm. Cindy's property, a five-bedroom Victorian-era home, was initially struggling to attract buyers due to its mismatched facade and dated interiors. After the transformation, the home was revalued and successfully sold for $1.85 million, allowing Cindy to move forward with her life and find a new home that better suited her needs.
Who pays for the renovations on Selling Houses Australia?
Cindy's friend and real estate agent, Meryl, generously contributed $40,000 towards the renovation, recognising the potential to significantly increase the home's value. This investment paid off! We do use the money supplied by homeowners (or loved ones, as in this case) and it is crucial in determining the scale of the renovation we do. Obviously, our sponsors also contribute products often of a much higher value than the homeowner’s budget, for which we are hugely gre
