She’d never owned a home before buying this cute 1870s cottage. There was just one catch

A first-home buyer transformed a historic 1870s cottage at 9 Tonks Grove, Wellington, from an empty shell into a character-filled home. The relocated worker's cottage required a complete interior fit-out, which the owner undertook with a focus on high-quality finishes.

With architect Craig Fafeita, the modest 63m² space was cleverly designed to feel spacious. This heritage-listed property features a high stud, a private garden, and repurposed bricks, blending history with modern living near Cuba Street.