Seaside escape An idyllic home that is the perfect hideaway
THIS BEAUTIFULLY REIMAGINED HOME ON THE NSW SOUTH COAST IS A PERMANENT HIDEAWAY FOR ITS HAPPY HOMEOWNERS
It’s difficult not to be mesmerised by the sublime setting that encases the home of Nicole and Karl. And so it was for the couple when they first discovered that their Wollongong abode – framed by lush rolling hills and a spectacularly rugged coastline of rocky cliffs – was on the market 16 years ago. “We were living in a neighbouring suburb, and our first child, Toby, was just three months old, but Karl has always loved surfing,” says Nicole. “He wanted to be as close to the ocean as possible and this house is literally across the road from a surf beach.”
While the joy that comes from living with salty breezes, an everpresent sound of crashing waves and a glorious view remains, the home as it stands today is far removed from its earlier incarnation. For when the family – which now also includes daughter Hollie, 12 – first moved in, the house paid homage inside and out to little else but the colour green. “It was cement-rendered with a green exterior and interior,” recalls Nicole. “The kitchen cabinetry was light green, the benchtops were marble with a green vein and even the vertical drapes were green. Someone really loved green!”
After painting the home to give it a “quick spruce-up”, the family lived in the house – then limited to just one level with a garage below – as it was for almost 12 years.
In early 2014, Nicole and Karl decided the time had come to embark on a major renovation. Drawing inspiration from her longheld love of Hamptons style, Nicole enlisted building designer Alex Urena and her close friend and interior stylist Donna Brikich, co-founder of Property Styling Corp, to turn it into the familyfriendly forever home she and Karl craved. “For years, I’ve been collecting photos from magazines of things I’d like to have in my dream house,” says Nicole. “Donna was wonderful and helped us make decisions about everything from the finishes to the furniture.”
Top of the list were more areas for relaxing, as well as entertaining. The ground level was reconfigured to incorporate airy, open-plan living spaces and a stunning new kitchen, and the construction of another level allowed for three bedrooms and bathrooms. “Everyone has their own ensuite now,” says Nicole. “Someone once gave me the advice that never having a fight over a bathroom is a fabulous thing. So instead of one big bathroom to fight over, the kids each have their very own small ensuite.”
Despite the scope of the works, the family lived on-site throughout the remake. “It probably was brave to stay here during the renovation,” says Nicole with a laugh. “But it was doable. It’s amazing how much dust, dirt and mess you can get used to!”
The result was well worth the clean-up. Honey-coloured oak flooring throughout the ground level contrasts beautifully with crisp white walls and soaring cathedral ceilings, while serene sleeping quarters upstairs offer views of the treetops. “The only green now is from plants, which I love,” says Nicole, with a smile.
Basking in sunlight, the home is a heavenly base to be enjoyed by all. Even the family’s pooches, Snowy and Izzy, look to be in their element as they pad softly across the floorboards. “I wanted everyone to feel at home here,” says Nicole of her light and welcoming house – one this family could be forgiven for never wanting to leave.
“OUR builders WERE SO GOOD AT WHAT THEY DID, AND easy to have AROUND EVERY DAY. WE DID miss them WHEN THEY LEFT!” ~ NICOLE