Their Marine Pde home, built circa 1910, had previously been owned by a family for more than 20 years.
"The previous owners were keen gardeners, so there were nice trees and hedges here," says Ross.
Although the home's western aspect, character features and beautiful garden with a pool were appealing, the couple saw room to improve the flow of space inside and the connection to the garden. "The key to the whole project was putting the garage out the front, freeing up the back for indoor-outdoor living," says Ross.
Although his explanation of the concept sounds simple, in practice the renovation was a major one.
"It was an enormous job," recalls Paula of the two years it took to complete, during which time the couple lived on site. "You get a better feel in amongst it. We're thrilled with the outcome. It's the best we've done."
They added their new double-garage at the road frontage and removed an existing garage at the rear, turning a concrete driveway that swept around one side of the property into a landscaped approach to the front door.
They built a gabled living and kitchen extension at the private, rear western aspect, with a terrace and outdoor fireplace overlooking the refurbished pool and garden.
The garden, which culminates in a Lutyens bench seat, features a mix of sub-tropicals, roses and topiary, a mix of formal and informal elements, much like the house itself.
The house is split over four levels, with the front door opening on to a cosy window-seat nook, which flows on to a living area with a gas fireplace. As well as internal access from the garage, this storey sports a bedroom with a powder room that could be used as a home office.
French oak stairs and bespoke wrought-iron balusters lead down to the main living area, with travertine tiles underfoot and a solid American oak kitchen with a Carrara marble benchtop and splashback at one end.
From the kitchen, steps lead down to a butler's pantry and wine storage, which in turn flows into a media room, storage space, laundry and a further bathroom.
A potager garden, handy to the kitchen, provides fresh herbs.
The uppermost storey of the house has two bedrooms and a bathroom in addition to the master suite with its walk-in wardrobe, large en suite and panoramic view.
The house has worked very well for Paula and Ross as a couple, but it's also been a great place for their two granddaughters and grandson to come and stay.
"They're my pride and joy," she says with a smile. Paula points to one of the upstairs bedrooms; "This would work perfectly as a nursery for new owners with a young baby," she says.
Paula says that now that all the hard work is done, they think it's time to move.
"I like creating and now that it's all created, what's next, housework? No!"
