Family Transforms 80-Year-Old Neglected Home in Kiryat Haim into Elegant American-Country Residence

A couple with three young daughters purchased an 80-year-old, neglected two-family house in eastern Kiryat Haim and undertook an intensive, complex renovation to transform it into a warm, modern American-country style home. The original single-story house, about 210 square meters with seven rooms and internal level changes, had not been significantly renovated since before Israel's founding and included a structurally complex addition above it.

The owners aimed for a luxurious yet cozy family space featuring natural materials like stone, wood, and iron, abundant natural light, and a resort-like atmosphere. Interior designer Liat Simchi led the project, emphasizing both aesthetics and daily practicality, including ample storage, child-friendly accessibility, and easy maintenance. The home was designed for frequent hosting, with a dedicated guest room, a large central kitchen island with a special pot-filling faucet, and a fully equipped home office.

The bathrooms were designed to evoke a resort experience, with spacious showers featuring dual showerheads and a combined bathtub and shower area for the daughters. The renovation faced significant challenges, including a tight budget, a short planning period of about six weeks, and a three-month construction timeline. Structural complexity required coordination with three engineers to reinforce and modify the unique silicate stone support columns.

The renovation included leveling the house’s internal floors, expanding and brightening narrow corridors, raising ceilings, replacing all infrastructure (plumbing, electrical, communications), installing new windows with custom stone sills, and preparing outdoor access paths and a private iron gate. Some planned features, such as a barbecue area and garden furniture, were postponed due to budget constraints.

The interior features a large kitchen with oak cabinetry and a central island, a living room with raised ceilings and a natural stone accent wall, and personalized bedrooms for the daughters. The master suite includes a resort-style shower with natural elements and synthetic bamboo plants for easy maintenance. The garden was redesigned to connect seamlessly with the interior. The designer praised the collaborative process with the clients, noting their trust and shared commitment to balancing design ambitions with budget realities.