A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Our Beach House Renovation
We're excited to share our year-long journey of transforming a dilapidated property into a modern beach house. Nestled on the calm side of Bribie Island along the Pumicestone Passage, this once-neglected house is now a gorgeous beachside retreat that we're proud to share with you.
The Beginning Vision: Diving Right In
When we first bought the property, it was in rough shape. It had been vacant for five years or more and was far from inviting - in fact, it wasn't even safe to visit. Despite its condition, we were drawn to its incredible waterfront location on Sylvan Beach. It's a truly special spot we adore and are lucky enough to visit most days. We knew it had potiential and could be something truly special.
From Junkyard to Oasis
Our first major renovation task was to clear out the old house! This was quite the challenge, and for a while, the backyard was literally a junk pile. It's now transformed into a tranquil, green space with plenty of room for backyard games with the kids. We've planted a variety of tropical plants and look foward to their growth and the lush greenery they will provide. The outdoor area is now spacious and finished—its a fantastic spot to relax after a day at the beach and will only improve over the coming years as the plants mature.
A Before and After Transformation of our Beach House:
A Fresh Start Rebuilding from the Ground Up
With the house and yard cleared, it was time to focus our efforts on giving the house a complete overhaul - starting with stripping the house down to its bare bones to ensure everything was structurally safe and up to current codes. Many weekends were spent cramped under the house, reinforcing footings to establish a solid foundation for our dream beach house. Once we had a secure base, new walls, and a new roof, we rearranged the floor plan to open up the space and embrace the coastal breezes and beautiful views of the Pumicestone Passage. We installed large glass doors that open up to two expansive decks, maximising natural light and capturing the stunning waterfront views.
Interior Vibes: Beachy and Calm
Inside, we aimed to create a calming blend of luxury and beachy charm, resulting in an inviting space with a holiday vibe. We opted for high-quality finishes and appliances and chose fresh white walls to enhance the light and airy feel. We preserved the original floorboards, restoring them to their raw glory, and managed to keep the double porcelain sink from the laundry and the unique front door. With its gorgeous design, the front door now serves as a striking entryway feature and offers a beautiful nod to the house's past.
Outdoor Beach Living: Decks and Breezes
This house and location practically screamed 'outdoor living', so we added two expansive decks. These spaces are perfect for soaking in the views and enjoying the sea breezes. Protected from the elements even in bad weather, the decks are ideal for lounging with a book or sharing a meal with loved ones. It's all about making the most of the outdoors and enjoying the waterfront setting.
Easy Beach Access
One of the best things about our place is its proximity to the water. Just a stone's throw away is the sandy waterfront, perfect for a swim, paddleboarding or throwing a line in. The front yard is lush and green, and the charming white picket fence adds a delightful touch.
Come Check it Out!
We're thrilled to share our renovated beach house, now available for holiday rentals. We hope you've enjoyed our before-and-after renovation story as much as we've enjoyed the process. We can't wait to welcome guests and hope they love our house as much as we do.
