From crumbling cottage to country chic, the Gundaroo residence of Katie and Alex Middlemiss had a significant transformation through the latest series of reality TV show, House Rules.
The two-bedroom cottage, built in the 1800s, proved a unique challenge for contestants on the show, with a roof held up by sticks and โnot one single straight lineโ in the original house.
Alex said they were glad their home was the last to be renovated so they could benefit from what the teams had learned during the show, while reflecting on their own journey.
โWe were definitely a different couple at the finish to where we were at the start,โ he said. โWe learnt so much โฆ felt we had much more to learn.โ
Coming into the show, Katie said โwe were quite practical in that we knew getting on House Rules we were probably going to get an extension โฆ but never did we imagine something this hugeโ.
Teams more than doubled the 68sqm cottage, and added $330,000 value in seven days. Prior to the renovation, the home was valued at $430,000 increasing to $760,000 post-renovation.
Katie and Alex described their home as โsmall and falling downโ with space one of their biggest issues before the renovation โ and they are thrilled with the outcome.
โBefore we got on House Rules I cracked it and said we need to move if we canโt do an extension because I was really struggling with Hallie starting to move and having nowhere for her to go,โ Katie said. โTo have all of this space now, and itโs such a safe home, I can let her walk upstairs to her room and I donโt feel I have to run after her.โ
Being away from daughter Hallie, now 17-months old, was one of the biggest challenges for the couple during their time on House Rules.
โDefinitely the hardest thing was getting photos of her every day and not actually being able to hold her,โ Katie said. โWe were very lucky we didnโt miss a milestone. We were always home when she crawled, when she walked, talked.โ
But the decision was worth it. โIf nothing else, itโs given us more time here.โ
So what did the couple think about their new-look abode?
They both agreed that the teams โnailedโ the house rules with Alexโs favourite space the lounge room โbecause I love the timber, the light that pours in, the day bed, and itโs just so relaxingโ, while Katie loves the kitchen.
โI love the kitchen because itโs a whole kitchen and the light is just mind blowing. Itโs so amazing to wake up to every morning and spend time in during the day,โ she smiled. โMy previous kitchen was a kitchenette with no pantry and flooring for benchtops.โ
They also appreciate the installation of solar panels and skylights, the use of recycled timber, and keeping some of the heritage features including a lot of the original beams, fireplaces and original ceilings in the bedrooms.
While they have had a couple of months back home since filming ended, Alex and Katie are yet to put their stamp on things but said they will โenjoy doing it at our own paceโ. One of the first projects on their agenda will be heating.
โHeating is the only thing we are looking at at the moment,โ Alex said. โAside from that we genuinely think the teams nailed it.โ
Katie added โour only source of heat is ornamental. And it gets to -8oC out here so weโve been quite cold when itโs not like this with the sun pouring inโ.
For now, Katie is currently working on a renovation in Canberra and has been approached about becoming involved in some additional projects.
โSome people say they never want to see a paintbrush or hammer again but thatโs not us, we love the industry,โ Alex smiled. โWe are studying a couple of courses at the moment in interior design, just trying to educate ourselves about the industry.โ
As for some take-away advice for people interested in renovating, the couple suggest:
- Learn to talk trade.
- Educate yourself.
- Research.
Katie & Alexโs house rules
For their country renovation, Katie and Alex set teams the challenge to:
- Build a 21st century country house
- Keep it eco-friendly
- Accent with modern pastels
- Go calm and cosy in Hallieโs room
- Bring a rainforest vibe to the bathroom
For more:
