Islington, built in 1912, and the conservatory-style extension, which is now the heart of the home. The owners wanted to retain the Art Nouveau features but also make the house stronger, watertight and warmer. PHOTOS: CHRISTINE O’CONNOR : Historic home gets new lease of life

Alexander Todd planted out English specimens knowing it would be future generations who would see them reach maturity. : Historic home gets new lease of life

Harper’s bedroom is one of four rooms where the owners replaced fire surrounds that had been taken out by previous occupants. The woodland wallpaper features rabbits, deer and foxes. : Historic home gets new lease of life

The original dining room is now a small lounge. Much of the antique furniture in the house has been reupholstered. : Historic home gets new lease of life

The en suite looks traditional but modern comforts such as underfloor heating and step lighting are included. : Historic home gets new lease of life

The copper and nickel bath came with white gloves, to be worn by those lifting it out of its crate, but Ms Wilton says the children often clang their toys against it and it has never been treated as ‘‘precious’’. : Historic home gets new lease of life

When previous owners had the house, the attic playroom was a billiards room with dark woodwork. : Historic home gets new lease of life

Mr Simms enjoys doing most of the gardening and says the five hours it takes to mow the lawns has never become a chore. : Historic home gets new lease of life

Under-used rooms on the ground floor were combined to form a master bedroom, dressing room and en suite. : Historic home gets new lease of life

Almost every room has a view of the grounds and the English trees planted by the original owner. : Historic home gets new lease of life

Harper Simms (3) descends the stairs, passing stained glass windows that used to be in an old farmhouse in England and that were recently installed in Islington. : Historic home gets new lease of life

Two of the three hectares are in gardens. The grounds also include a tennis court and a pavilion for outdoor entertaining. : Historic home gets new lease of life

In Charlie’s bedroom, wallpaper with animal portraits in frames brings to mind the Victorian fascination with the natural world and exotic animals. : Historic home gets new lease of life