timeline

1990

Owner-builder Matt O’Connor purchases the five-acre plot in Doonan and places a caravan on the site, travelling from Sydney in summer to enjoy the surf and easy lifestyle.

2007

The plot is subdivided after a 150-metre driveway has been created. Matt and his wife Bree start drawing up plans for a house.

2008

Matt, Bree and their two children relocate from Sydney to Sunshine Beach nearby to start the build and manage the project. To meet fire regulations, all eucalyptus trees within 20 metres of the property have to be removed.

2009

Feb

Following the Black Saturday bushfires, the house is redesigned as a concrete construction.

March The build starts. A crane hoists the concrete panels into place to form the shell for the steel roof.

June The family live on the bottom level while they finish off the rest of the rooms, which takes a year.

2016

After living in the home for four years, Matt and Bree decide to rent out the property.

Feb Leonie and Chadd move in and add their unique touch to make it feel like home.