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Period Perfection
The creation of a heritage-inspired Mountains classic.
Interview by Joanna Liste
Interior Photos by Keith Maxwell
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R
esidents and visitors to Leura have watched the evolution of an
award-winning heritage-inspired home just two streets back from
the Mall. Blue Mountains Life caught-up with owners Katrina and
Bill Sims to find out more about their home and its design.
Blue Mountains Life: What inspired you to create a period-style home?
Katrina Sims: “We had for many years been taking short holidays in
Leura and staying in B&Bs that were all period-style houses. We really
liked the ambience of the era with its wider hallways, higher ceilings,
stained glass, rambling layout and crafted detail. These houses just feel
welcoming and comfortable as soon as you walk through the front door.
It became a bit of a pipe dream that we might one day own a period style
house.”
BML: What drove your decision to build in Leura?
KS: “Bill had grown up in Penrith and was familiar with the appeal of
the Mountains and I had grown up in New Zealand, which had similar
climate and architecture. The climate (reliable rainfall, few very hot days
and less chance of drought); the gardens with their rhododendrons,
azaleas and camellias; and all the nearby walking trails, were probably the
main attractions in the beginning. We also felt very much at home with
the village lifestyle and the more relaxed pace of life. People had time to
stop and talk. We also found some favourite eateries of course, and got to
know some of the shop owners.”
BML: Was it difficult to get into south Leura?
KS: “Not really, we were really fortunate and surprised when we noticed
a block of land for sale within the vicinity we wanted to live, a short
walking distance to the Mall and the railway station.”
BML: How did you find your Builder?
Bill Sims: “We’d been keeping watch on the estate agent websites for 
MODERN STYLE Despite being heritage-inspired, the design of
this home incorporates contemporary style & amenity.
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“It is possible to have a period-style
house and an opportunity to put
your personal stamp on things
right from the outset”
LEAFY OUTLOOK Bill & Katrina love the green aspect from their south Leura home,
and enjoy watching their new garden as it matures.
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a few years when we found a ‘new’ period style house for sale. It had never
occurred to us that this could be an option. We were so disappointed
when we missed out on that house, but it gave us the opportunity to
meet the builder, Melandra Homes’ Managing Director Jeff Manwaring.”
BML: What inspired some of the design choices in your home?
BS: “Actually the size and orientation of the block had a major influence
on what was possible. A bay window fronting the street; a return
verandah on the northern and western street frontages; attic-style guest
rooms beneath an interesting roof line; a study with built-in polished
hardwood bookcase; all down-played garage visibility from the street.
Period houses didn’t have a garage underneath, so we tried to disguise
this minor concession to modern times. The house has all the other
features you would naturally expect - an open fireplace in the sitting
room, period-style tiling patterns, stained glass, high ceilings, butler’s
pantry, dado paneling and tall skirting boards. Also included are some of
the features we had seen in other houses Jeff has built, such as the freestanding claw foot bath in the en-suite and the recessed country sized gas
cooker, which makes it look as though there might have once been a fuel
stove in the kitchen.”
BML: What is it like to live there?
KS: “The house has lived up to expectations and more. It’s comfortable
for the two of us, yet there’s also plenty of space when friends and family
come to stay. We have a lovely outlook without sacrificing closeness to 
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“These houses just feel
welcoming and comfortable
as soon as you walk through
the front door”
the hub of the village. Most of all we like our leafy outlook, lots of birds
with fascinating calls, caring and welcoming neighbours and a garden
that is coming on well and will hopefully, after a couple more seasons,
look as though it has always been there.”
BML: What are the advantages of a new period home?
KS: “It’s easier to clean. The layout (particularly the kitchen) is very well
arranged and functional. The building will need less maintenance, and
is better insulated with more efficient heating and cooling, with internal
access to the garage. Jeff is a true professional, and what a great job he is
doing in adding to the Blue Mountains’ heritage.”
BML: Would you recommend the process to others?
KS: “Yes, because it is possible to have a period-style house and an
opportunity to put your personal stamp on things right from the outset.
You can benefit from improved building materials and quality fittings
without compromising on period style, plus you have the excitement of
seeing it take shape and the satisfaction of having made something of
lasting family value. The thought that has gone into the planning gives
you a greater sense of attachment, and a house with a personal identity.” 
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