Hargrave Lane Cottage Set to Go Under the Hammer

A charming worker’s cottage in Paddington’s quiet Hargrave Lane is set to go under the hammer this month, representing a labour of love for the young couple who transformed it from a dark rental into a light-filled modern home.

Sally and Josh first walked through the doors of 19 Hargrave Lane as prospective tenants in 2019. At the time, the turn-of-the-century cottage was cramped and lacked natural light despite being a freestanding property. However, the sunny north-facing courtyard and proximity to Paddington’s cafés and boutiques won them over, and they decided to rent the home.

The couple spent much of their time in the outdoor space, imagining how they could improve the property if given the chance. That opportunity came in late 2020 when they learnt their landlord had passed away and the home would be sold. After a stressful bidding process at auction, they successfully purchased the deceased estate.

What followed was an extensive renovation that completely reimagined the cottage’s layout. Working with architect Michiru Higginbotham, Sally and Josh flipped the existing two-storey floor plan, relocating the main living areas downstairs and creating an open-plan kitchen, dining and living space. Full-width sliding glass doors now connect the interior to the courtyard, whilst upstairs, the former living room has become a second bedroom.

A standout feature of the renovation is the perforated steel staircase connecting the two levels, which allows natural light to filter down from the upper floor. The couple embraced every opportunity to brighten the home, adding windows, removing internal walls, and installing a skylight above a home office nook where Josh, a software engineer, works.

The interior design follows a light and airy brief, with the staircase and exposed beams painted white. Off-white marble in the kitchen and terrazzo-tiled floors add texture whilst maintaining the bright aesthetic. Cream-coloured custom joinery maximises storage space, with natural wood accents providing warmth.

Modern conveniences include smart-home automation, ducted air conditioning and underfloor heating. Outside, the heritage charm remains intact, with the front verandah’s bullnose roof and iron lacework carefully restored.

Sally, who works in investment management, says they achieved their goal of having the best of both worlds. The couple moved back in during 2022 and embraced the Paddington lifestyle, spending weekends strolling to local cafés, relaxing in their courtyard, and entertaining friends.

However, the arrival of their first child, Max, in 2025 has prompted the decision to sell. The couple needs additional space for visiting family members and a separate room for their son. Whilst they’ve found another property in Paddington, they remain attached to the cottage they transformed.

The property will be auctioned at 10.30am on Saturday, 14 February, with a price guide of $2.5 million. BresicWhitney’s Catherine Dixon is handling the sale.

According to recent market data from property analysts, Paddington’s median house price currently sits at $3,622,500, with annual capital growth of 11.46%. Properties in the suburb typically spend around 37 days on the market.

Published 3-February-2026