Original charm has modern edge

BY SHAYNE COLLIER

“IT just pops out at you,” Karen Pallister said of the bright-red pantry in her otherwise traditional kitchen that comprises oak cupboards, a black granite benchtop and stainless steel appliances.

The red pantry is just one of the talking points at 47 Thornleigh St, Thornleigh, home to Mrs Pallister, her husband Glenn and sons Dylan, 14, and Jackson, 17, for the past three years.

Visitors are delighted the moment they walk through the wrought-iron entrance gates, past 1.5m hedges and a three-tiered, cast-iron fountain.

Built in the early 1930s, the full-brick home was originally single storey. Mrs Pallister said the second storey was added about six years ago and is matched to reflect the style of the original home.

“The fellow we bought the house from is a structural engineer who was incredibly fastidious,” she said. “The quality of the finishes is amazing.”

Over the years, the home’s past owners have restored original features, such as the Australian cedar architraves, skirting boards and picture rails, stained-glass windows, vintage-style light fittings, patterned ceilings, timber floors, a fireplace mantel and a timber staircase with a wrought-iron balustrade.

The spacious main bedroom (with built-ins) has an adjoining walk-in wardrobe and a study with leadlight bay windows.

Several recent additions add a modern take. The walls in the main lounge and dining room are painted in “confederate blue”. Mrs Pallister said the bold colours work. “Friends walk in and say the house has an arty feel. It’s not your mainstream look.”

The downstairs’ bathroom takes it cue from the 2000s, while the upstairs’ echoes yesteryear and features a claw-foot bath, oak vanity and stained-glass windows.

Upstairs the “teen retreat” has three bedrooms (with built-ins) and a casual living space where the Pallisters’ sons like to hang out. There’s also a storage attic.

The large undercover, outdoor entertainment area is a boon for the Pallisters, with the pool and cedar-clad spa. “Even in winter we use the spa,” Mrs Pallister said. “We call it the four o’clock special – before the sun’s dropped below the trees we hop in the spa and have a glass of wine.”

from hornsby-advocate.whereilive.com.au