When Rosehip Cafe opened in 2003, it quickly became the focal point for Parnell's Gladstone Rd neighbourhood. Owners Kylie and Pete Adams loved the area and already lived on Stanwell St, so in 2005 they snapped up what Pete calls "the worst house on the street".
The previous owner had lived there for 25 years, and the cottage was suffering from a fake-brick frontage and tacky 1960s fittings. "We just painted over the grot and moved in," says Pete. At renovation time, they called on architect Julian Guthrie, who'd designed Rosehip's interiors. "Our brief was simple: 'keep the old cottage'," says Kylie.
From the street, only the hip-roofed cottage is visible. The original profile weatherboards have been replicated and what appear to be twin sets of French doors mimic the former front veranda. "We love being on the street," enthuses Pete, so one set of doors leads to a hedged courtyard where they can wave to the neighbours. The other set yields a surprise: a garage with elevator stacking for two cars.
That respect for the street's heritage is echoed throughout the house. Working with council's heritage advisers, the renovation carefully distinguishes between old and new. The two-storey rear addition is invisible from the street and separated from the original cottage by a slim line of louvre windows.
