Twenty years ago, a couple exchanged vows in a grand manor in the Adelaide Hills, quietly promising themselves that one day they would return – not just to visit, but to live. In 2021, when the manor was sold and the land subdivided, that opportunity finally arrived.

The former horse stables, known as the Coach House, came up for sale. The couple saw beyond the rough charm of the circa 1915 structure and recognised their future home.

To bring their vision to life, they turned to SpaceCraft Joinery, a South Australian firm led by Nathan and Ellen Wundersitz. They were tasked with transforming the Coach House into a dwelling that respected the past while embracing a modern way of living.

The original barn doors were replaced with a striking black-framed picture window, flooding the interiors with natural light and setting the tone for a blend of heritage character and contemporary design.

Every detail was deliberate, from hand-stained Tasmanian oak cabinetry with visible grain to Arabescato Vagli marble benchtops and splashbacks. The L-shaped kitchen layout was optimised for practicality, with the sink and cooktop along the back wall and a generous return providing ample preparation and serving space.

‘Our considered and creative design, followed by meticulous craftsmanship, improves not just our clients’ homes but the way they live in them,’ says Nathan, SpaceCraft Joinery’s Design Director. ‘Our goal was to create a one-of-a-kind space that’s both beautiful and liveable.’

The kitchen, which perfectly captures the home’s historic character, won the Kitchen Design category at the 2024 HIA-CSR South Australian Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards.

Based in the picturesque town of Strathalbyn, SpaceCraft Joinery has been booming since its launch in 2008. ‘What defines us is how we listen to our clients’ briefs and respond in clever, playful, creative and sometimes unexpected ways,’ says Ellen, co-founder and Managing Director.

‘Whether it’s a century-old stable or a brand-new build, our focus is always on designing spaces that are deeply personal and perfectly suited to how our clients live.’

In the Coach House kitchen, soft curves, ribbed timber detailing, and concealed features such as charging stations and undercabinet lighting elevate the space into something both functional and refined. Across the room, a well-fitted pantry and laundry, complete with smart storage and integrated appliances, continue the design language through the same harmonious palette.

‘Overall, it’s a blueprint for how heritage spaces can be reimagined for modern life,’ Ellen says.

Materials:

• Benchtop & splashback: Arabescato Vagli marble from CDK Stone
• Drawer hardware: Blum
• Kitchen mixer: Elysian pull-out mixer in Brushed Brass from ABI Interiors
• Handles: Ascot knob in Black from Lo & Co via SpaceCraft
• Lighting: Askel pendant and wall lights from Beacon Lighting
• Appliances: Belling oven, cooktop & dishwasher; Euromaid rangehood
• Paint: Sphinx, French Green & Greythorne from Porter’s Paints.

First published on 10 February 2026