20 October 2023

Total restoration of century-old Woonona cottage blends old world charm with modern living

| Dione David
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Facade of 20 Chenhalls Street in Woonona

The restoration of 20 Chenhalls Street in Woonona, while sympathetic to the charm of the original 100-year-old cottage, has left it fresh as a daisy. Photos: Scholtens Property.

Obvious old-world charm aside, you wouldn’t guess the home at 20 Chenhalls Street in Woonona is the original cottage that has stood there for 100 years.

Beautifully renovated and thoughtfully extended, a fresh aesthetic and modern conveniences now blend seamlessly with its heritage characteristics, according to the selling agent, Scholtens Property director Simon Scholtens.

“The restoration has been very sympathetic to the integrity and charms of the original house,” he said.

“At the same time, it’s a very different home. The owners have done a magic job, it’s a credit to them.”

Back deck at 20 Chenhalls Street in Woonona

The timber back deck overlooks the escarpment and sweeps across to one side of the house.

Beautifully located in a quiet, leafy side street, this home is wonderfully suited to the ‘work from home’ lifestyle we have come to enjoy.

Built in 1923, cherished original features include stained glass window details, weatherboard walls and ornate high ceilings. The original wood-burning stove in the kitchen and cast iron fireplace in the formal lounge room are both still hooked up to the functional chimney.

These features are complemented by fresh carpets, floating floorboards and tiles throughout.

Kitchen at 20 Chenhalls Street in Woonona

The kitchen features the original century-old wood-burning stove still hooked up to the functional chimney.

Recently extended, the inviting hallway leads you directly into the bright, open-plan, high ceiling kitchen. This leads down to the spacious living room which in turn opens up via large glass sliding doors to the timber deck that sweeps around the side of the home. This frictionless flow makes the home perfect for entertaining.

“You’d spend a lot of time out there, watching the sunset over the escarpment,” Mr Scholtens said.

“I can see the new owners putting a nice long table out there, with a comprehensive cheese platter and a bottle of sav blanc.

“There’s even a concrete pad at the back that would be the perfect spot for a swim spa.”

Highlight windows in the main living area ensure it enjoys all the benefits of the north-facing aspect as does the side deck, and there’s also a covered front porch that makes for the perfect spot to enjoy a quiet cuppa and catch the morning sun.

The main cottage contains three large bedrooms and a huge main bedroom to the rear with a “his and hers” walk-in robe and a spacious modern ensuite.

A detached structure on the south side of the property would make the ideal studio/home office. With a separate entryway, a potential fifth bedroom that is in itself almost self-contained and has its own bathroom, it could be the base of a work-from-home business or a teenager’s retreat.

“A lot of young families are favouring these original homes that they adapt for the way we live today. But the hard work is already done in this home,” Mr Scholtens said.

Living room at 20 Chenhalls Street in Woonona

The kitchen flows down to the living room and out to the back deck, for seamless entertaining.

Other features include a spacious double remote garage with a single panelift door and a fully fenced, grassy rear garden.

This home is nestled into a quiet, leafy side street with all the amenities nearby including the cafes and shopping of Woonona centre mere moments away, schools within easy walking distance for kids and stunning Woonona Beach just a few minutes’ drive.

The price guide for this home is $1.795 million.

Number 20 Chenhalls Street, Woonona will be open for inspection this Saturday 21 October from 10 to 11 am. For more information contact Simon Scholtens on 0418 689 609.

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