Size - the wedge-shaped block is 912 square metres - period charm and a blue-chip location provided key appeal when they bought the 1920s Federation home known as Lockwood at 177 Kemp Street in 2013.

"We loved the double brick, the double gable it has at the front and we could see you could do that blend of old and new," Haydn said. "It has a beautiful street presence and part of that garden suburb heritage area."

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The home was "livable" but stuck in the past with "cheap lino in the kitchen", a skillion extension and closed-in rooms.

The Threlfalls thoughtfully restored the home to its former glory while also bringing it into the 21^st century with high-end finishes and modern design materials, including gunmetal tapware and basins.

Working within the existing footprint, they reconfigured the layout to make better use of space.

The original formal lounge at the front of the home has become a spacious master suite with a sizeable walk-through robe to ensuite.

Open plan kitchen, living and dining extends to a large covered rear Merbau timber deck with a built-in barbecue.

The spacious island kitchen includes a former sunroom section of the home which overlooks the "play lawn area". It has a Michelangelo quartz benchtops and premium appliances.

An eye-catching feature is a huge piece of ironbark, sourced from the Newcastle wharves, that extends through the island bench and acts as a support post.

Timber has been used throughout and adds warmth. A custom-made Blackbutt staircase was built into the gabled roof space to create a loft, which has been dressed as a second living room with study nook.

Period features include leadlight windows, fretwork, French doors fireplaces and a tessellated tiled front verandah.

A shed out the back was converted into a self-contained studio, granny flat, teenage retreat, home office or guest accommodation. In all the property has five bedrooms and three bathrooms.

Charlie Albone, from Selling Houses Australia, designed and landscaped the garden.

It is being marketed by Robinson Propert's Lyndall Allan with a guide of $1.95 million and is open for inspection for the first time on Saturday at 11.45am.

"It's an immaculate renovation with a separate studio out the back. It's a high-end, quality home that offers a lot than most properties in that area. There has been a lot of early local interest," Ms Allan said.

"It's a beautiful big, flat block with a frontage of almost 30 metres and is in such a handy location."