SET IN stone

After a painstaking renovation, this 1840s sandstone cottage in Sydney’s inner west is enchanting all comers once again.

Now and then, a designer will embark on a unique project that inspires them to work just that little bit harder.
Not even heritage constraints or pandemic lockdowns can quell their devotion. This rang true for architect Raymond Panetta and interior designer Amanda Garcia Panetta when they were entrusted with renovating an 1840s Georgian cottage in Sydney’s inner west.

The storied sandstone house, built by a colonial whaling captain on a sprawling and secluded pocket of land, had been owned by some colourful characters in its 180 years.

It had also endured unsympathetic alterations, such as gratuitous lean-tos, to become a quirky rabbit warren with little indoor-outdoor connection. “But its history and the environment were pretty special,” says Amanda. “You don’t expect to find that kind of serenity in the inner west. It was a hidden gem.” Raymond and Amanda’s brief was to create a country home in the city for its newest custodians, a family of four.

“This, to me, translated into warmth and texture,” explains Amanda. “A home that felt comfortable, with quintessential rural colours, like beautiful greens and deep burgundies, warm whites, travertine and, of course, the sandstone. Yet [it needed to be] refined enough for its urban setting.” Raymond had to reconcile the mish-mash floor plan and accommodate a new extension and a pool. A strict heritage listing meant original walls, floors, verandahs, and door and window cavities had to be retained. He wasn’t fazed. “I guess it’s a challenge, but I agree with most heritage controls anyway,” he says.

The homestead was originally two buildings: a four-room cottage and a detached two-room kitchen and scullery.