53 Jones Rd, Ryanston. Picture: Peter Clarke
The Little Woods is a thoughtfully restored circa 1902 church building with an architect-designed extension nestled on farmland at Ryanston.
The vendors Karl and Rachel Russo bought the 1200sq m property at 53 Jones Rd, Ryanston, in 2020, citing its location as the main drawcard.
“The seclusion, stunning views, and the majesty of the huge ancient trees that cradle the little old church just captured us,” says Karl.
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Upon the tranquil setting sat an old church, which the Russos say was in a “sad state”.
“The old church needed a full renovation, “ Karl says.
As an owner-builder, Karl, a landscape architect, and the principal at Orchard Design, worked with local trades to bring the restoration to life.
“To get started, we gave it a new roof, some weatherboard and fascia repairs, fresh paint inside and out, and some restumping,” he says.
The striking extension contains the home’s bedrooms. Picture: Peter Clarke
53 Jones Rd, Ryanston is a 1200sq m property amid farmland. Picture: Peter Clarke
A study nook is incorporated into the new build. Picture: Peter Clarke
“We added an antique Gothic arch window and glazed doors to let more natural light into the space.”
Honouring the church’s original charm was a priority for the couple, who embraced this style in the open-plan living space that occupies much of the building.
“The furnishings and finishes of the living space and detailing of the new kitchen carry this through, while offering modern luxuries,” Karl says.
One of these luxuries is a custom Pop & Scott sofa and a 360-degree rotating fireplace, which the vendors say is centrally positioned so it can be enjoyed from any part of the living space.
The bedroom wing is intentionally separated from the church building.
The 360-degree rotating fireplace is in the centre of the action in the main living zone. Picture: Peter Clarke
The dramatic gable combines with glass to great effect. Picture: Peter Clarke
Even the bath tub offers a bucolic view. Picture: Peter Clarke
“The intentional separation between the original church building and the new bedroom wing allows the historic church to stand proud and not be dominated by the extension. It was also important for the heritage overlay,” explains Karl.
“This separation helps create a transition from old to new through a small, glazed stairway.”
Inside the bedroom wing, there is a deliberate change in materiality and mood, including features such as the chocolatey spotted gum timber panelling and deep brown wool carpet, minimalist design, and seamless window detailing.
The Russos say this was to create a “calming cosy cocoon, while also reflecting the high gable roofline of the church.”
“It was important to us that this space was beautiful and simple, and celebrated the surrounding landscape and views,” Karl explains.
The dining area is neat set within the main church building. Picture: Peter Clarke
A glass section separates the original church from the modern addition. Picture: Peter Clarke
125-year-old trees provide a majestic backdrop for the home. Picture: Peter Clarke
Surrounded by majestic 125-year-old trees, a landscaped garden, bluestone seating slab and rear deck, “The landscape design supports the architecture by connecting different spaces for different times of day and wind directions,” says Karl.
Marshall White Bayside agent Ben Vieth is handling the expressions of interest campaign to sell the two-bedroom residence at 53 Jones Rd, Ryanston. Price expectations are from $1.5m to $1.65m.
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