From the street it appears as a beautifully maintained early-1900s villa. Step inside, however, and it’s apparent carpentry wizards have been hard at work. Where to start? At the beginning, with a three-bedroom, one-bathroom house with a self-contained flat beneath. Enter Norwest Build armed with architectural renovation and extension plans, and top-shelf skills. This sensitive introduction of modern luxe elements into a character home is a template for how to meld the old with the new. This 263sqm city-fringe house now has four bedrooms, two lounges, an entertainment room, three bathrooms and main-bedroom ensuite. The icing on the beautiful cake: a sauna, in-ground swimming pool and pool house. Whether you’re inside or out, this is entertaining central. From the entry, your eyes follow the long hallway to the Balinese-style oasis out the back. On the way through the house you’ll notice myriad features, including shiplap weatherboards on the almost-five-metre-high gable ceiling, negative detailing between the ceiling and walls, secret doors hiding a mini bar, and a bespoke kitchen with scullery. The kitchen, lounge and dining space slide into decking with a wood-fired barbecue. This complex project has been rewarding — for the builders and owners alike.