Pettit and Sevitt, Lowline B, modified with split level, Duffy, ACT, Australia. photo via Belle Property Real Estate. Living room

The Pettit and Sevitt Project Canberra 5th and 6th March 2022

The images in this newsletter are from a real estate listing of a Pettit and Sevitt Lowline variation which sold in December 2021, and which is also hosting Tim Ross and his “Pettit and Sevitt Project” over the weekend of the 5^th and 6^th March.

I understand that there may be a few seats left for Sunday 6^th March at 2pm as the other shows have sold out.  Here is the link for “The Pettit and Sevitt Project” (but you will need to be quick):

https://modernistershows.com/product/the-pettit-and-sevitt-project/

The Pettit and Sevitt Project Canberra 5th and 6th March 2022. I understand that there may be a few seats left for Sunday 6th March at 2pm as the other shows have sold out (but you will need to be quick).

From the real estate listing, written by Belle Property:  “Chosen by builder John Queneau to feature in the well known book 100 Canberra Houses, is this beautiful time capsule example of a Petitt and Sevitt home that he built in 1972. John was the Pettit and Sevitt franchise owner in Canberra. A modified Lowline B floorplan, the plans were suitably customised to work around a then existing Eucalypt and a gentle slope across the block. Largely untouched and original inside, the home is full of potential for restoration and has been owned by one family since new. The time has come to pass it on to a new custodian who will love and appreciate its significance as a wonderful piece of Canberra’s mid-century architectural heritage and restore it accordingly. “

Pettit and Sevitt, Lowline B, modified with split level, Duffy, ACT, Australia. photo via Belle Property Real Estate. Family room

Pettit and Sevitt, Lowline B, modified with split level, Duffy, ACT, Australia. photo via Belle Property Real Estate. Wall light

Dr Retro is booking in-home visits in Canberra in March

After a few false starts over the past few years due to Covid, lockdowns and border restrictions, Secret Design Studio is bringing our much-loved “Dr Retro House Call” service to Canberra for a few days in early March.

In case you hadn’t heard about our “Dr Retro House Call” service it is a home visit consultation of around two hours to help answer all of your questions about renovating your mid-century or post-war home.  Think of it as a pre-renovation information service that will help you either get the ball rolling or progress to the next stage in your renovation, providing design direction and clear, concise advice.

Pettit and Sevitt, Lowline B, modified with split level, Duffy, ACT, Australia. photo via Belle Property Real Estate. Office/bed 4

Pettit and Sevitt, Lowline B, modified with split level, Duffy, ACT, Australia. photo via Belle Property Real Estate. Bedroom

At the end of the consultation, you will receive a 20-page document in a PDF format outlining the strategies and options that have been tailored for you, your home, your budget and your key questions.  For those seeking advice on paint colours, I will arrange A4 sized colour swatches to be posted to you after the appointment. For those that need assistance with understanding the heat loss and heat gain in their homes I will be bringing along a high-quality thermal imaging camera and will email you the thermal images after the consultation.

It is probably best for you to visit Secret Design Studio’s “Wall of Love” to see how this in-home consultation service has helped other households with their renovations:

Link to “Wall of Love”

Six typical mid-century and post war houses from around Australia who have benefitted from a Dr Retro consultation prior to their renovations. See more examples https://secretdesignstudio.com/wall-of-love/ –

At the moment there are only five appointments remaining, and they do tend to fill up fast once the word gets out in social media.

Currently, available appointment times are:

10:30am Saturday 5^th March

2:30pm Saturday 5^th March

10:30am Sunday 6^th March (already booked) 

2:30pm Sunday 6^th March

10:30am Monday 7^th March

2:30pm Monday 7^th March

If you would like me to pencil in an appointment for you then email you a quote please email me at alistair@secretdesignstudio.com with your contact details and address (but you will need to be quick).  Or you can just fill out an enquiry form from this website:

Link to enquiry form

Pettit and Sevitt, Lowline B, modified with split level, Duffy, ACT, Australia. Photo via Belle Property Real Estate. Walk-in robe and ensuite.

Pettit and Sevitt, Lowline B, modified with split level, Duffy, ACT, Australia. photo via Belle Property Real Estate. Living room

Once you have accepted the online quote your appointment time is confirmed. If somebody else wants your appointment time and you have NOT accepted the quote I will do my best to contact you before giving them the opportunity to have your unreserved appointment.

If you would like assistance with your renovation but none of these times are suitable (or you miss out making a booking) then consider taking advantage of our “Dr Retro Virtual Visit” via Zoom later in March.

Link to Dr Retro Virtual Visit via Zoom service

Pettit and Sevitt, Lowline B, modified with split level, Duffy, ACT, Australia. photo via Belle Property Real Estate. Bedroom 3

Pettit and Sevitt, Lowline B, modified with split level, Duffy, ACT, Australia. photo via Belle Property Real Estate. Laundry

Thank you to Belle Property Real Estate

Thanks to Belle Property who marketed this home in December 2021 in a sensitive manner to find the right buyer who would cherish being the next custodian – it was only listed for 18 days! Appropriately styled (not generic), beautiful photos, a bit of the history and background, and some compelling real estate copy to pique the buyers interest. No mention of redevelopment potential!  If you are looking to market your mid-century home in a sensitive way to find the right buyer then you may want to consider Belle Property. Here is a link to the old real estate listing:

Link to Dec 2021 real estate listing by Belle Property

Pettit and Sevitt, Lowline B, modified with split level, Duffy, ACT, Australia. photo via Belle Property Real Estate. Bathroom

Pettit and Sevitt, Lowline B, modified with split level, Duffy, ACT, Australia. photo via Belle Property Real Estate. Kitchen

Secret Design Studio’s digital presence in 2022

A few people have noted that Secret Design Studio has had a rocky start to the year with our website domain and the email address alistair@secretdesignstudio.com.  There have been some pretty serious IT issues happening behind the scenes, and there have been a couple of weeks when the website was down, and the email was not working.

However, it looks like it has all been well resolved now with a new host and some housekeeping. If you happened to send an email to alistair@secretdesignstudio.com and it came bouncing back, my apologies, but it should be all fixed now.  If it happens again please feel free to use secretdesignstudio@gmail.com, or ring me on 0448 579 707.

Pettit and Sevitt, Lowline B, modified with split level, Duffy, ACT, Australia. photo via Belle Property Real Estate. Family room and kitchen

Pettit and Sevitt, Lowline B, modified with split level, Duffy, ACT, Australia. photo via Belle Property Real Estate. Dining

Call to Action for Canberra March 2022 Dr Retro House Call

At the moment there are only five appointments remaining, and they do tend to fill up fast once the word gets out in social media.

Currently, available appointment times are:

10:30am Saturday 5^th March

2:30pm Saturday 5^th March

10:30am Sunday 6^th March (already booked) 

2:30pm Sunday 6^th March

10:30am Monday 7^th March

2:30pm Monday 7^th March

If you would like me to pencil in an appointment for you then email you a quote please email me at alistair@secretdesignstudio.com with your contact details and address (but you will need to be quick).  Or you can just fill out an enquiry form from this website:

Link to enquiry form

Pettit and Sevitt, Lowline B, modified with split level, Duffy, ACT, Australia. photo via Belle Property Real Estate