We bought our double-fronted Victorian home in Seddon 20 years ago. The original house was poorly insulated and very draughty and dusty, so in 2024 we undertook a renovation and modest extension that involved demolishing all but the two front rooms. We took the opportunity to create a high-performing house, to the extent that our budget allowed, getting off gas and installing all-electric appliances and a solar system with battery. The original home had an energy rating of 2.3 stars. After the renovation, this increased to 6.8 stars (NatHERS), which means running costs for the house will be reduced by $1400 annually (before taking savings from solar and rainwater recycling into account). We added an outdoor area sheltered by a timber pergola as part of the renovation. While the house is now finished, the rest of the site is a work in progress – we’re planning to design our own garden spaces, applying permaculture principles to what are currently two blank canvases.