Inside the Incredible $3 Million Transformation of a Pre-1900s Cottage

A dilapidated West End cottage, where the owners discovered the walls were stuffed with undelivered junk mail, has been transformed into a striking three-level architectural residence following a $3 million redesign.

Mining technology entrepreneurs Kim and David Eagles bought 16 Avebury Street 20 years ago, before renovating and recently selling their business.

“When we opened the walls during our first renovation many years ago, we found old newspapers and piles of advertising brochures,” Mrs Eagles said.

“A neighbour told us someone who had lived there was apparently being paid to deliver the junk mail but had hidden it inside the walls instead.

“The house was a hideous mess when we bought it, so to see what it has become is extraordinary.”

Completed in June following an 18-month build, the transformation was led by Brisbane architecture practice Refresh Studio and Bespoke Constructions.

The couple initially designed the four-bedroom property as their long-term family home, with every space created around how they lived, worked and entertained.

“David has a study overlooking the living room, I had planned a music room and library, and downstairs was designed for the children and their friends,” Mrs Eagles said.

“We told the architects how we wanted to live and then trusted them to make the decisions. They created something we never could have imagined ourselves.”

At the centre of the home is a three-level void, with six skylights drawing natural light into the floor plan.

The main living and dining area sits beneath ceilings reaching 4.3 metres and features Australian Spotted Gum flooring and joinery, sage green cabinetry and a full-length window seat.

The kitchen combines Cello Marble, Spotted Gum joinery and Miele appliances, while the lower level includes a covered alfresco area, outdoor kitchen and landscaped pool terrace.

Place New Farm lead agent Heath Williams said the home was an exceptional example of contemporary architecture built around the character of an original inner-city cottage.

“The owners did not renovate this property for resale; it was designed as their long-term family home, so the decisions were driven by quality, functionality and how they genuinely wanted to live. That level of consideration is evident throughout.”

“It’s scale, dual street access and architectural quality made it particularly rare for West End.”

“The battened exterior gives the home an unmistakable presence, while also providing privacy, shade and natural light,” Mr Williams said.

With their children now young adults, the couple has decided to downsize.

“West End has been the centre of our family’s life for more than two decades, but the home is now ready for another family to make it their own,” Mrs Eagles said.

16 Avebury Street, West End, is being marketed by Heath Williams of Place New Farm.