Before its recent transformation, this Preston property was a poorly configured Edwardian house with a ‘questionable’ 1970s second storey.

Its new owners wanted more from the house, picturing a light, welcoming, relaxed, charismatic, fun and spacious family home that revelled in its pool and parkside location.

‘They wanted to have spaces to be together, spaces to be apart, space to read, to dance, to play, to eat and to ponder,’ says Imogen Pullar of Imogen Pullar Architecture, who designed the renovation.

The budget didn’t allow for an extensive demolition and rebuild, so Imogen Pullar Architecture created just two new areas at the rear of the north-facing home: a wide and open living area that overlooks the pool, and a narrow and tall dining space that opens to the outdoor living area.

‘Both spaces have north-facing glazing that is shaded in summer, and allow maximum solar gains in winter,’ says Imogen.

‘When the sun is shining, the ceiling of the living room lights up with the reflection of the sun on the pool, providing a lovely calming moving light show throughout the day.’

With the removal of a 15-square-metre lean-to, these new spaces have added just 23 square metres to the house, but have infinitely changed its relationship with the outdoors.

Imogen reconfigured 73-square-metres of the remaining ground floor plan, incorporating a kitchen, main bathroom, and en suite in addition to the three front bedrooms.

Materials were selected to reflect the client’s sparkly personality, while being conducive to robust and easy family living.

‘Not precious,’ as Imogen puts it. ‘Colour is used throughout, so that the interiors don’t take themselves too seriously, and brings a smile to everyone as they enter.  The exterior is kept to a single material to blend and recede into the landscaping.’

Timber floorboards and cabinetry are complemented in the kitchen by a rusty red (Dulux Carmen Miranda) and terracotta tones across the art and soft furnishings. ‘It is unexpected but perfectly creates a cheerful and homey backdrop to family life,’ says Imogen.

Character was maintained in front rooms through the restoration of Edwardian doors, hardware, skirting, and cornices, but all surfaces were insulated and single glazed timber windows upgraded to double glazing to improve the comfort and energy efficiency of the whole house.

The upstairs level containing an extra bathroom, bedroom, and living area was likewise updated for energy efficiency.

The original staircase remains, with a new timber batten balustrade to tie the new works below with the existing upstairs space.

Imogen is proud of how the home achieves beauty and functionality while retaining so much of the existing house. The original brief was very detailed — outlining each person’s priorities, likes and dislikes — and almost every objective has been met.

‘The house just makes sense now. It’s laid out correctly, it’s warm and cosy, and everything is in its place,’ says Imogen. ‘As you are drawn towards the back living areas, the house opens up to the sky and trees.  You feel connected to your environment, while also cocooned from the elements.

‘Why would you want to spend time anywhere else?’