Lilyfield House is positioned at the northern end of Leichhardt’s main street at the elevated junction with Lilyfield Road, a once busy thoroughfare that is now an important link in the cycle network to the city. The existing house and former shop was single-storey, cellular, limited in light and outlook, had rising damp and a poor plan for a growing family. But a double width block, a north-facing rear garden and lane, a large shady tree and ridge line position with potential for views offered the possibility of a brighter and more open house.