Discovering a Hidden Gem
Initially, Shaynna was drawn to the estate by its “ramshackled allure.” “My children were making a movie called The Fort and needed a house that was dated and a little ‘creepy’,” she says. Despite plans to renovate and sell quickly, the home’s charming historical features quickly grew on Shaynna and her family. “The more time we spent in Sutherland House - named after its original custodians - the more it felt like home. We decided to retain it as our family home and committed to preserving its legacy,” Shaynna says.
Respecting a Generational Home
Fortunately, there were no heritage overlays to contend with, allowing for greater freedom in the final design. However, Shaynna was determined to honour the estate's original facade and layout - respecting its historical essence. “I extensively researched the home - It was designed by a local architect and had only two owners before me - these elements informed my design selections,” she says.
Balancing Tradition with Modernity
When it came to choosing custom made windows and doors, Shaynna’s priorities were informed by the home’s anatomy, located on a main road and south facing.
“The use of Stegbar’s Timberaul Double Hung Windows were non-negotiable for me as they allowed us to retain architectural integrity of the estate’s facade. We chose pre-primed Cedar windows, which allowed us to easily paint the frames to match the interior and exterior wall colours. For energy efficiency and sound insulation, all windows were double-glazed,” she says.
The newly constructed double-height extension at the rear of the home required a careful balance of modern practicality and historical aesthetics. “We used Stegbar’s Alumiere windows and Alumiere four-panel stacker door for the extension,” she explains, ensuring the traditional look was maintained with matching architrave profiles.
The bell tower, which sits at the top level of the home, as well as the carriage house at the rear of the property required large format windows to offer uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape. “The bell tower has a seating area to view the sunrise and sunset, so we chose Stegbar’s Alumiere Breezeway Louvres for airflow and temperature control,” Shaynna says, showcasing her commitment to merging functionality with style.
At the rear of the property, the modern carriage house contrasts beautifully with the original estate. Clad in black, burnt timber, it required windows and doors that would harmoise rather than overpower. “The large feature window - Stegbar Alumiere Stacking window - in the second-story bedroom was a standout,” Shaynna recalls, praising Stegbar’s commitment in executing her vision.
The Role of Stegbar
Working with Stegbar proved essential throughout the renovation process. “This was an incredibly tough project happening at a fast pace,” Shaynna says. With a mix of timber windows and doors, aluminum windows and doors, as well as louvres, collaboration was key. “Having the conversation with Stegbar early in the planning process was integral,” she says. “The final specification process, installation, and delivery were all part of an open discussion between myself, the Stegbar team and my builders. It was pretty seamless.
A Grand Dame Restored
Today, Sutherland House stands proudly, a true ‘grand dame’ of Kyneton. Shaynna describes the interior as a warm embrace, instantly welcoming anyone who steps inside. “I’ve had many people ask if there’s anything I would change, and every time my answer is ‘no,’” she reveals. With so many cherished features and “pinch-me moments,” Shaynna feels connected to her home.
Advice for Renovators
For those looking to embark on a similar journey with a heritage property, Shaynna advises to “Respect the age of the building and honour its past - The exterior should be part of the streetscape.” She emphasises the importance of researching the home’s story, reminding us that we are merely custodians of these generational treasures.