Project: Cary House
Architecture: Dieppe Design
Lead Architect: Edward Dieppe
Location: New South Wales, Australia
Year: 2022
Photo Credits: Luke Butterly Photography
Cary House is an inner-city cottage that has been thoughtfully updated to fit the lifestyle of its owners and their dog, Maxie. Originally over 100 years old, the home once featured three bedrooms, one bathroom, and an outdated extension that housed a combined kitchen and dining room.
Redefining Indoor/Outdoor Living
The project brief aimed to create a more usable indoor/outdoor living space that extended into a large, poorly designed backyard. The clients also wanted to add a master suite and a study nook. As the design evolved, the updated Cary House now boasts a guest bedroom, a library, and a bathroom in the original cottage. The existing hallway now opens into a bright, open-plan kitchen, dining, and living room.
Innovative Storage and Transition Spaces
The kitchen joinery cleverly hides a surprisingly large laundry and butler’s pantry. Underneath a bold, black staircase, the design reveals a well-organized wine store. Timber sliding doors in the living and dining spaces open to the landscaped backyard, seamlessly joining the interior with the exterior.
Private Retreats and Smart Technology
Upstairs, a large study, a master bedroom with custom joinery, and a luxurious double-shower bathroom create a private retreat for the owners. A tidy attic room adds extra space for storage or future use. Architectural timber shutters over the master and study windows open remotely at the client’s command, allowing for easy control of natural light and privacy.
An Urban Oasis
Cary House has transformed into an urban oasis for the owners, Maxie, friends, and family. Every detail—from smart storage solutions to seamless indoor/outdoor transitions—creates a warm, welcoming space that honors the home’s history while embracing modern living.
