When you return to Australia after living overseas for a long time, you want to choose the right site and home environment for yourselves and your young children, and especially the right builder, this beautiful home has been built by Melbourne custom builder Graeme Alexander Homes.

For one such family, an established 3573-square-metre battle-axe block with sea views, and with well-landscaped neighbourhood properties in bayside Mt Eliza, was perfect.

The main concern was that an existing house – a substantial five-year-old project home with a Georgian influence – was poorly positioned.

Because of its size and a wish to keep a lid on expensive ideas, the owners decided to renovate, extend and upgrade. Renovating would also minimise damage to the established garden.

The first step – which influenced the rest of the project – was to replace an outdoor pool facing south-east with a pool and outdoor area facing north-east. This reduced other work and development as the whole building was upgraded.

A new kitchen was installed within existing and new living areas, the master bedroom was redesigned with en suite and walk-in robes, an upper rumpus room was added plus an additional bedroom and bathroom. A viewing deck was built off the upper rumpus room.

A new lower living room opened up the outdoor pool area, while the garden was redesigned to make the most of the mature trees already there.

New heating, cooling, curtains, blinds and floor coverings were installed, and a fresh colour scheme completed the picture.

When renovating, it is practical and worthwhile to incorporate as much of the existing building as possible.