Hidden behind aged sandstone walls a stone's throw from Sydney Harbour, this historic home held instant appeal for a well-travelled family looking to put down roots in Australia. "It felt like an old pair of favourite shoes," says Susan, who moved in with her husband and three children in 2007. "We loved its subtle, familiar charm and well-weathered exterior. Our first impressions were of a keenly loved yet peaceful place to live."

Originally hailing from New Zealand, the family has lived in England and France, and this home, built in 1924, reminded them of places they'd lived in Europe. And with no visible neighbours and green fields beyond, it could easily be anywhere in the world - the occasional boat horn echo aside. "Once behind the front gate, we're in our own little paradise," says Susan.

Like many heritage houses, renovations were restricted, so other than pulling up some carpet to reveal hardwood floors, new curtains, paint and wallpaper were the only additions, with the building's character kept firmly in mind all the while.

When it came to decorating, Susan took her cues from the garden and the hues already found in the home (the kitchen is still as it was painted in 1949).  The fiery red front door, often found open in welcome, leads to a double-height entrance hall and curved staircase stepping up to bedrooms on the floor above. 

On the ground level are all the living spaces a family of five could ever need. One living room opens off the kitchen and is used mainly for children's activities; a second opens to the garden. A sunroom at the rear of the house features a magnificent arched doorway that frames a jacaranda tree and terraced entertaining area - a favourite spot for summer lunches. 

"We love the sunroom," says Susan. "It was originally blue, but we wanted to connect it with the garden so chose a distinguished green. "Upstairs, the hall and main bedroom were painted a soft grey that has proved cool and soothing in the heat of summer.  

By keeping the walls neutral in the main living areas and hallways and redoing the window treatments in creams and natural tones, no one colour is overpowering. Each chosen hue holds its own while paintings and furniture add more form and more colour.

The family's eclectic mix of furniture, gathered over years of foraging at auctions, antique and secondhand stores, fits so well within the house it's as if they have always belonged here.

With its high ceilings, abundant natural light, established gardens and rooms with garden views to relax in, this home is truly adored by its owners. "The garden was well established when we bought the house, so we have just maintained it, added our favourite plants and tried to discover what can and can't grow here," says Susan. "There's currently plenty for us and the neighbours to enjoy in the vegie patch. We call it recession-proof gardening."

Story & styling Georgi Waddy 

Photography Simon Kenny