There was definitely more than first met the eye with this conversion. As the overgrown gardens were removed, a whole lot of rubbish was found, from cans and plastic wrappers to scissors, rusty metal and even a butcher's knife. Hence the decision to remove the grass in the backyard as well and lay fresh turf.

Everything that could be repurposed was salvaged and used in the front garden to create, 'The Ruins.' An old, broken fountain has been used to grow mint, large rocks have been used to create borders and garden beds, and pavers from an old fire pit used to make the paths. The terracotta pots contain olive trees, blueberry shrubs, citrus and feijoa. Lavender and herbs grown beside the house and a range of succulents are dotted throughout.