Delivering style on a shoestring in Castle Hill on Selling Houses Australia
Two homes across the park was too much for this love struck couple, who wanted $2.5 million dollars to sell their Castle Hill abode on Selling Houses Australia
Photography Melissa Heath/Selling Houses Australia
A love story inspired this episode of Selling Houses Australia, set in a parkside area of Castle Hill, in north-west Sydney, NSW. Julie and David are a charming couple who lived on opposite sides of a local park, both owning their own home. So when they met and fell in love, they were eager to downsize and simplify their lives. They decided to sell David’s spacious family home, but it was stuck in a time warp, with dated features that were saying drab instead of fab. Landscape gardener Dennis Scott and I had to transform this retro relic into a modern masterpiece that would have buyers lining up at the door.
Interior designer Wendy Moore takes on a kitchen in Castle Hill
The original kitchen was a blast from the past, with dark benchtops and cabinetry that screamed late nineties. I decided to give it a fresh, modern look by replacing the benchtops with elegant white engineered stone, Caesarstone's silia-free Empira White™ . This brightened the space and added a touch of sophistication. The cabinetry was updated to a slim Shaker profile in a light sage colour from Bonlex (Lemongrass Luxe on the pantry and Artichoke Luxe elsewhere), which brought a subtle warmth and complemented the new hexagonal tile splashback. These tiles added a bit of fun and flair, making the kitchen feel fresh and inviting. I also added a feature wall in dramatic Monument by Dulux, a suite of appliances from Bosch including a sleek induction cooktop; a white-coloured Pleon 8 sink and tap from Blanco; white handles (PS330) from Kethy; and a set of three Made by Mayfair Panama drop pendants in Spanish Alabasterfrom Beacon Lighting.
“The goal was to create a space that was both functional and stylish, perfect for family gatherings and entertaining”~ Interior designer Wendy Moore, Selling Houses Australia
Selling Houses Castle Hill living spaces made luxe
In the living areas, I focused on creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. The original space felt dark and cramped, so I introduced a soft, neutral colour palette and updated the flooring with a light, bleached oak-look finish; its laminate flooring in Mooloolaba Sandy Dunes from Flooring Xtra, along with Formation Natural rugs. This instantly brightened the room and made it feel more open and airy. I also added new lighting fixtures and window coverings from Wynstan to enhance the natural light and create a warm, welcoming environment. The transformation was remarkable; what was once a dim and dated space now felt like a bright and spacious haven. Final touches included natural-hued cushions from Kas and artwork from Art Lovers Australia.
Budget renovation for the Castle Hill Selling Houses master bedroom
TThe master bedroom was transformed from a dark, dated space into a bright and airy retreat. I chose floor-to-ceiling curtains from Wynstan in a calming hue to create a serene atmosphere and added a fresh coat of paint to enhance the room's natural light. Underfoot, it’s Christella Staghorn carpet from Flooring Xtra, which we also used in the study.
My best bathroom ever! Selling Houses Castle Hill master ensuite
The ensuite was a major project, previously dominated by an oversized spa and built-in wardrobe, which didn’t make sense at all. By removing these, we created space for a freestanding bath, double vanity, and a spacious shower, all in a sophisticated, modern design. Brushed brass felt right for this space, so we chose fixtures from Caroma’s Contura II range, including twin shower, mixers, flush panels and hand rails. Just stunning!
The toilet and bath are also Caroma, from the same Contura range sourced from The Blue Space. I loved the earthy, natural vibes of these classic travertine honed mosaics from Tile Factory Outlet for the walls, and for the floors, I chose Tibur Beige Travertine in French Pattern Porcelain. Lighting is from Beacon LIghting – how great are the Luella wall lights? The new layout not only improved functionality but also added a touch of luxury, making it a true sanctuary for relaxation.
Landscape gardener Dennis Scott updates the Castle Hill outdoors
Dennis transformed this basic backyard into a stunning oasis. The dated brick pavers were replaced with stylish travertine tiles, the pool area was revitalised with fresh turf and low-maintenance plants and a compliant glass fence enhanced safety and allowed for uninterrupted views of the beautiful parkland beyond.
Selling Houses Castle Hill: did it sell?
Castle Hill is a prime suburb in north-west Sydney, known for its large blocks and family-friendly atmosphere. Julie and David's home, a spacious five-bedroom property, was initially listed at over $2.5 million but struggled to attract buyers. After the stunning transformation, the property attracted significant interest, and I am delighted to report that Julie and David agreed on a sale at $2.5 million!
Who pays for the renovations on Selling Houses Australia?
Julie and David contributed $75,000 towards the renovation. The transformation increased the property's value and ensured a successful sale, allowing the couple to embark on the next chapter of their lives with confidence. Good luck, Julie and David!
