“We submitted to the council, and there were five or six objections that [the] council overruled, saying it was a very good design, a great addition to the area,” Corlette said. “I engaged a builder to do the studio and garage.”
Being the sole person spearheading the project meant Corlette was free to make all the decisions. He was bold and certain with his choices in colour and style. The red on the door was repainted several times until it was eventually right.
The studio above the garage. Credit: Rhett Wyman
As for the sage tones of the walls? They were born of an accidental mix-up. The formula is now carefully written on the top of the paint tin. A clear contrast to the white ceilings with careful cornices.
Choosing the right type of light fitting to go with the ceiling roses was one of the harder decisions.
“We had so many ceiling roses, and I did replace quite a few of them.”
How the Surry Hills home looked before the renovation.Credit: Pricefinder
But a unique feature of the terrace that was in perfect condition was the bust of Captain Cook. There are two in the hallway.
Pre-renovation, the home had seen better days. Credit: Pricefinder
While the gyprockers were putting newly moulded cornices into the ceiling (which cost $1800 to mould so it would match the original), Corlette couldn’t resist cabling surround sound in. He also installed security cameras and remote-access locks.
The once-repulsive bathroom has been transformed into two modern sanctuaries, with Thermotouch panels warming the floors and towel rails.
To stay motivated throughout the project, Corlette treated it in stages. The first stage was renovating the main house and managing any hiccups along the way, from having to rebuild entire parts of the home for structural purposes and the logistics of delivering heavy glass sliding doors.
The home has been transformed.Credit: Rhett Wyman
“If you want to have a party, you can open the garage doors, move the car somewhere else, open the garage door, out of the street, and it can flow right through from the kitchen, through the cafe windows, out into the garage.”
The renovation took four years of hard work.Credit: Rhett Wyman
There was a square gutter which he did an eight-hour return trip for just so it would match exactly. He then took some time off and focused on the studio.
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“It’s like knocking off achievements,” Corlette said. “I’m very happy with it. Actually, the studio surpassed everything I was expecting,” he said, noting it cost $13,000 in council fees for its separate entrance. “It was worth it.”
Born and raised in Sydney, Corlette has lived in the city his entire life. His son and grandson are within three kilometres, so it’s important for him to remain in the area, but now that the project is complete, he is “rattling around” on his own and seeking to downsize.
The property at 518 Cleveland Street is listed for sale with an advertised guide of $2.5 million.
Selling agent Nick Gill from BresicWhitney Inner East said the property is a lovely integration of period detail and modern design, and the addition of the studio is especially attractive for buyers.
“[The studio] provides a separate income, and as it’s north-facing, it gets lovely light.”