This Ultra-Narrow House Is A Vertical Sanctuary (Full Tour)

Boolara House, a narrative tour. Part one, the arrival and the green heart. We're starting here at the street front, and immediately you notice this play of verticality. These timber slats aren't just for privacy, they set a rhythmic tone for the entire architectural journey. As we move inside, it's clear how the renovation honors the original pavilion feel, while completely transforming the experience. The starting point for Freya was the courtyard, the green heart of the home. By retaining those original painted brick textures, and wrapping the house around this central void, the transition between inside and outside almost disappears. That olive tree standing there isn't just landscaping, it's framed like a piece of living art. It anchors the light and brings a sense of Mediterranean tranquility right into the core of the building. Part two, light, texture, and the open plan. Moving into the main living areas, the palette is incredibly restrained, but deeply layered. It's all about these chalky whites, limestones, and warm timbers that play off one another. This entire open space, comprising the kitchen, dining, and living room, is actually double the size of the original layout, giving the family the breathing room they were looking for. Freya's time working in southern Italy really shines through in these finishes. It's not minimalism in a cold, sterile sense. It's about creating a tranquil, tactile environment, even the way the sunlight washes over the rugs and the curved furniture feels intentional. It's a soft, diffused light that makes these large, open plan spaces feel intimate and grounded, rather than cavernous. Part three, the architecture of repetition. One of the most compelling details of this project is the repetition of the slot window. You begin to notice them everywhere. Long, vertical openings that link different rooms visually, while allowing for amazing cross ventilation. It's a clever way to maintain privacy while never feeling closed off. Then you have these Tasmanian oak screens by the stairs, which act as a functional sculpture. They mirror the timber slats we saw at the entrance, and even the texture of the kitchen splashback. It's a very disciplined architectural language. When you see those massive glass panels, you can really appreciate the effort it took to crane them into place, just to achieve this level of seamlessness with a courtyard. Part four, the private sanctuary. As we head upstairs to the more private zones, subtle sage green accents start to emerge, a gentle nod to the greenery outside. The bathrooms continue that theme of exacting craftsmanship. The transitions from stone to wood are executed with such precision. Even in the hallways and transitional spaces, the light is handled with immense care. These aren't just corridors, they are galleries of light and shadow that change throughout the day. Up here, the main bedroom begins to capture those broader views toward the park, but the architecture still makes you feel incredibly protected and tucked away. You can truly feel the three and a half years of care that went into every corner. Finally, we reach the primary bedroom, which is a beautiful departure from the lighter palette found elsewhere. A home that is precise and disciplined in its structure, but warm and deeply personal in its soul. It's a rare, perfect collaboration between a designer and a builder, who happen to share the same life.