Did the Westleigh log cabin on Selling Houses Australia sell?
Unique is not always a good thing, as the Selling Houses team discovered in Westleigh, New South Wales
Photography Melissa Heath/Selling Houses Australia
Here we are in the serene suburb of Westleigh, nestled in the bushland of Northwest Sydney, on Selling Houses Australia. Peter, a dedicated science teacher, and his fiancée were eager to sell Peter's unique four-bedroom log cabin. Despite its charming architecture and stunning bush views, the house had been on the market for months without success. My task: transform this timber haven into a modern, inviting retreat that would appeal to potential buyers with a rather small budget.
Selling Houses Westleigh: A kitchen makeover on a budget
Budget was tight in Westleigh, so I had to embrace my favourite decorator’s tool – paint! The original kitchen was a throwback to another era, with dark and dated benchtops and cabinets that made the space feel cramped. I decided to update the doors and drawers by removing their decorative-but-dated beading, transforming them into a classic Shaker style. Much more buyer friendly! I chose Wattyl Mountain Snow in ¼ semi-gloss enamel, and boy did it make a difference.
This simple change, along with painting out some of the cedar in a gorgeous, moody charcoal (Black Tied, also by Wattyl), brought a modern touch while maintaining the kitchen's character. The result was a bright, airy space that felt much larger and more inviting, perfect for cooking and entertaining.
“You have to meet the market, and this was not a home that was ready to meet the market ”~ Interior designer Wendy Moore, Selling Houses Australia
Westleigh, Selling Houses: a budget renovation living room
The living room was a timber overload, with mismatched wood tones that made the space feel dark and dreary. I wanted to celebrate the room's high ceilings and architectural details, so I opted for a colour scheme that combined cosy cabin vibes with a contemporary warehouse aesthetic.
By painting out some of the timber and introducing lighter window dressings (Luxaflex Elan sheer Duettes in Solitude), I was able to create a warm, inviting space that still honoured the home's original charm. On the walls, I removed the cedar shelving and painted the wall in Wattyl Black Tied along with stair edges, beams and posts, and the gyprock wall was painted in Wattyl Glass House Mountain, bringing in some light and airiness.
The new flooring, Hinterland Longboard Limestone Blackbutt from Flooring Xtra, provided a consistent and stylish foundation throughout the house. We added in some LED uplights from The Lighting Outlet and a bunch of cushions in earthy greens and charcoal botanical prints from Rapee, leaning into the log cabin vibes.
Statement dining in Westleigh, NSW on Selling Houses
The dining room was transformed into a cohesive space by extending the new timber-style flooring (Hinterland Longboard Limestone Blackbutt from Flooring Xtra) from the foyer. This change, along with the eclectic mix of industrial and country elements, created a unique and welcoming atmosphere. I just love the oversized pendant above the table, it’s Zaffero’s Riva perforated iron long light in Antique Brass, The Lighting Outlet. Underfoot, you’ll find a rug in Allure Black from Flooring Xtra, and the cedar walls and gyprock painted in Wattyl Black Tied to tie in with other areas of the update.
Bedrooms simplified in Westleigh, NSW
Upstairs, the bedrooms were a mishmash of timber that sapped the light and life from the spaces. I focused on creating harmony and cohesion by strategically using the new colour scheme. Both rooms were revitalised with lighter tones and a more open layout. The new carpet, Hycraft Classic Deco in Black Pepper from Flooring Xtra, wrapped around the stairs and flowed into the bedrooms, providing a sense of continuity and warmth. The room pictured is painted in Smokey Herb from Wattyl.
A fire-safe overhaul by Dennis Scott in Westleigh, NSW
Landscaper Dennis Scott focusised on fire safety and aesthetics in the outdoor area. He removed the clutter and added a meandering path with decomposed granite, surrounded by native plants like kangaroo paw and grevilleas. The pool area, once dominated by an unsightly pergola, was opened up and made more inviting with new furniture and an umbrella.
At the front, Dennis painted a ‘runway strip’ to clearly define the entrance and added a storage shed for practicality. These changes not only enhanced the home's curb appeal but also ensured it was safe and welcoming.
Selling Houses Westleigh: did it sell?
Westleigh is a peaceful suburb with a strong sense of community, surrounded by beautiful bushland and close to Sydney's CBD. Peter's unique timber home, initially listed at $2 million, struggled to attract buyers due to its dated interior and lack of clear identity. After our renovations, the house received a new offer of $1.9 million, but Peter decided to hold out for a buyer willing to pay over $2 million.
Update: When the Selling Houses Westleigh episode went to air the home had not sold, but Peter has recently returned the home to market. I’ll keep you posted on what happens next, but we wish Peter all the best and hope he gets the result he’s looking for!
Who pays for the renovations on Selling Houses Australia?
Peter contributed $30,000 towards the renovation, a modest budget that required creative solutions to maximise impact. The transformation not only improved the home's appeal but also increased its potential value, making it a more attractive option for buyers looking for a unique property in Westleigh.
