Crafting a sanctuary in Erskineville.

Behind its understated Victorian façade, this single-level terrace in Erskineville reveals a home far larger and more serene than first impressions suggest. Thoughtfully redesigned, it opens into an expansive living pavilion where raked ceilings, highlight glazing and full-width bi-folds draw in daylight from the east-facing garden. It’s a home shaped by restraint and intention - a calming counterpoint to the vibrancy of the Inner West that sits just beyond the door.

For owners Olivia and Nick, three words capture the mood of their home: “sunlight, breeze, and calm.” As Olivia reflects, “It’s a warm, light-filled sanctuary that we can return to after enjoying the energy of the Inner West.” That duality - connection and retreat - underpins both the design philosophy and how their young family lives within it.

The couple worked with Co:Aika Architects to build upon the bones of the original terrace, emphasising volume, natural light and enduring materials. The result is a space that feels both expansive and deeply grounding.

Nick explains, “We wanted to create a space that was tranquil, even with two young kids… and have a functional space to spend time with friends and family over meals and celebrations.” Central to this vision was amplifying natural light and integrating storage into a minimal, architectural framework. The palette reflects a long-term mindset. “We sought to use quality materials that we know will last, like the marble through the kitchen, laundry and bathroom, and copper tapware throughout,” says Olivia.

Outside, the garden was reworked to become an extension of daily life - a place to gather, entertain and unwind. While the terrace offers two generous bedrooms, a separate study and an attic with future potential, the centre of life is unmistakable: the living and kitchen pavilion.

“It’s where all the good times happen,” Nick says. “The light floods in, we host friends and family, and everything flows out onto the backyard.” The continuity between interior and garden is one of the home’s defining gestures. Morning light fills the kitchen; afternoons stretch seamlessly towards the greenery; evenings settle softly beneath tall eucalyptus trees.

Rather than adopt a singular stylistic doctrine, Olivia and Nick curated a blend that feels personal, warm and intentional.

“We’ve borrowed from Scandinavian and Japanese design, but also complemented it with other pieces of quality design we like… together they create a unique style,” Olivia says. “It’s a simple, minimal and classic foundation that could be layered with colour and texture through furnishings and art. At dusk we love sitting on the stone bench looking up at the eucalyptus trees swaying in the wind with the kids playing.”

Catering to both daily ritual and entertaining, memories centre around the kitchen centrepiece: “Rolling pizza dough on the bench and enjoying it with cocktails around the island and backyard,” Nick says. It is a home that invites gathering, and equally, invites you to pause.

Set between Erskineville Village and the green expanse of Sydney Park, the location is as much a part of the story as the house itself.

“The neighbourly atmosphere and proximity to everything - music, food and entertainment,” Nick says, are what they cherish most. “Union Street is a close-knit street and we’ll be sad to leave behind friends here.”

As they prepare to pass the keys to new custodians, Olivia and Nick reflect with generosity on what they hope the home becomes next.. “It’s a place to feel at ease,” says Olivia, “a beautiful backdrop to connect with friends and family and be part of the thriving community.”

More than anything, they hope future owners will experience what they themselves found here: a space that’s both welcoming and a hideaway.

View the listing: 182 Union Street, Erskineville