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Lakeside Living with Charm and History

26th February, 2025

Lakeside Living with Charm and History

Boasting an iconic lakeside location, grand street appeal and Federation character, owner Margo Harris was determined to breathe new life into 8 Queens Avenue.

It’s hard to believe the transformation this home has had in a little over three years, all conceptualised and designed by Margo herself.

Eager to ensure room versatility, Margo used this as a key factor when designing the renovation.

“The house has many rooms and whilst the renovation was underway, the rooms were trialled for different purposes before deciding on their current use,” Margo said.

Currently, the double-storey home provides three bedrooms, however, the possibility of five is not out of the question.

Retaining Federation characteristics whilst giving the home a modern facelift was another key focus for Margo.

Bold yet tasteful styling and design choices pay homage to the bygone era whilst allowing the occupants of the home to indulge in modern comforts.

Opulence and sophistication greet you at the front door, as the Feltex Artisan carpet coupled with the pressed-metal ceiling creates an impressive entryway.

The current formal lounge is positioned to the left of the front door and is adorned with a large leather sofa, oversized occasional chairs, patterned textiles and soft furnishings.

For those less formal occasions, there is a lounge positioned on the north side of the home, basking in natural light and overlooking the lake.

The two downstairs bedrooms retain many of their original Federation features including the original fireplaces and mantles, double-hung windows and picture rails whilst the upstairs bedroom flaunts a more modern contemporary design.

The intention was to create a penthouse on the second-storey as a retreat from the hub of the house.

“I indulged myself by having a penthouse upstairs, designed so there were lake views as much as possible,” Margo said.

Clever design has allowed for the penthouse to be zoned, providing multiple functional spaces including a sitting area.  

Upon awakening, the bed is positioned to capture the sun rising in the east whilst admiring the glistening sunlight across the lake.

Much thought and consideration went into the positioning of showers, baths and toilets of both the upstairs and downstairs bathrooms.

“I was keen to have a large bathroom and shower that overlooked the lake – a tranquil way to start the day,” Margo said.

The downstairs bathroom uses advanced technology that allows the user to capture views of the lake whilst showering with the reassurance of complete privacy from those walking past.

Without losing sight of her vision to create multi-functional spaces, the kitchen, dining and sitting areas are no exception.

The galley kitchen conceals the preparation area from the dining and sitting area, leaving only a serving space one display.

The large dining zone, soaked in natural light from the east, can easily seat ten guests and overlooks the backyard and rose garden whilst maintaining easy access to the galley kitchen without feeling intrusive.

Functional and practical changes included moving the laundry with access to a service area on the west side of the home, installing hydronic heating in all rooms to ensure a comfortable temperature, and double-glazing any window replacements to improve energy ratings.

“The fireplaces were open, but have now been tastefully boarded up so they can still be used, but there is no heat leakage,” Margo said.

Every detail of this family home’s redesign was carefully considered, but the transformation didn’t end there. The reimagined studio offers a stylish and functional living space, complete with a home office, inviting sitting area, kitchenette, and fully equipped bathroom and laundry.

Thoughtful landscaping has allowed for multiple outdoor entertaining areas whilst overlooking manicured gardens or the glorious Lake Colac.

When asked which feature Margo would like to take with her, it comes as no surprise.

“My penthouse with its view over the lake,” Margo said.

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