Living IN the View: Lisa and Andrew's Quest for the Perfect Northern Beaches Home
In the picturesque Northern Beaches suburb of Manly Vale, a vibrant couple, Lisa and Andrew, embarked on a remarkable renovation journey that led them on an unexpected path to their dream home by the ocean. With their three-year-old daughter in tow, they set out to create a haven that would perfectly blend their love for the coastal lifestyle with the comfort of modern living.
After a couple of false starts, Lisa and Andrew found success with MILEHAM. Their story showcases the invaluable role of working with the right custom home builder, rather than sticking with a builder whose vision doesn't align with your own.
A Vision Takes Shape
Lisa and Andrew’s journey began in 2019 when the couple, eager to start a family, decided to upgrade from their apartment in Mosman. Their quest for a new home led them to Manly Vale, a suburb that was still affordable, yet rapidly gaining popularity for its proximity to the Northern Beaches and city access. "Manly Vale was like a hidden gem," Lisa recalled. "We were drawn in by the emerging cafes and shops, and we knew this would be a great place to raise our family."
Their property hunt eventually brought them to a charming, albeit slightly outdated, 3-bedroom bungalow on Horning Parade. Perched high on an escarpment of rock, the house offered mesmerising, 180-degree views of the ocean, giving it a distinct "beach shack meets tree-house" vibe. It was love at first sight.
A Growing Family and a Dream Deferred
Lisa and Andrew moved into their new home just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, which meant spending a significant amount of time indoors. The birth of their daughter during this period made them realise they needed more space for their expanding family. "We were living on top of each other," Andrew admitted, "and there was no room for guests to stay."
With a clear need for additional space, Lisa took charge of the renovation project. Armed with inspiration from online platforms like Pinterest, Houzz, and Instagram, and insights from magazines like Belle, House & Garden, and Real Living, she curated a mood board that perfectly encapsulated their vision. Their dream home was inspired by The Atlantic in Byron Bay, a cherished getaway. Lisa explained, "We wanted our home to feel like our favourite holiday place – contemporary, coastal, laid-back, yet liveable and homely – something that tells a story about our life and travels."
The Architect's Touch
With their vision in hand, Lisa and Andrew sought the expertise of builders to get estimates for the project. However, the initial design proposals left them feeling uninspired and underwhelmed. It became clear that they needed a professional Architect's touch to bring their dream to life.
Their friends, who had recently completed a renovation, recommended James Pilcher from MILEHAM, a Registered Architect and Licensed Master Builder wrapped in a rare single package.
During their first meeting, James conducted a thorough walkthrough of the house, absorbing Lisa's mood board and vision. "It's really exciting to work with clients who have a clear idea of what they want, but need an Architect’s eye to really bring that vision to life" James commented.
In that visit, James sketched some fresh ideas, igniting a creative spark that had previously been missing. Lisa and Andrew were blown away by James' vision, which ultimately transformed their design into something entirely different from their initial concept. "You don't know what you don't know," Lisa mused. "We're so grateful to James for delivering a clever and functional layout that made the most of the spectacular ocean views and maximised space for our busy family life."
The Decision to Move
Despite falling in love with the new architectural design, Lisa and Andrew decided that they had the right house in the wrong location. They yearned to live closer to the beach, right in the midst of their cherished ocean view – not just looking at it from a distance. So, they made the courageous decision to sell their Manly Vale home, complete with approved DA plans showcasing the Architect-designed vision.
The house sold swiftly, with the agent noting that the inclusion of approved DA plans added substantial value to the final sales price - an outcome which ultimately helped Lisa and Andrew secure their new home closer to the beach. Lisa and Andrew, now living in Freshwater, know they made the right decision, and plan to re-engage MILEHAM again to renovate their new home, with visions for a Mexi-Casa abode beginning to take shape.
Lessons in High-End Architectural Construction
Reflecting on their renovation journey, Lisa shared a valuable lesson: "We made the mistake of going straight to the builders for inspiration and ideas. We now realise that the start of a renovation journey should always begin with an Architect. Even better if it’s with an Architect who is also a Licensed Builder. You may pay a little more upfront, but in James' case, as an Architect and builder, his skills, vision, and understanding of build cost estimates gave us the best possible outcome and substantially increased the sale price of our home – so it was well worth the investment."
Andrew added, "We chose MILEHAM as it's a family-run business with family-based home design solutions, and because the owner, James, puts his professional reputation on the line for each and every project he takes on. He’s easy to work with and listens to what you want, yet challenges you by offering alternatives that he's confident will work better. The fact that he has surrounded himself with a quality team at MILEHAM means he has more time to offer a high level of personal service."
Lisa and Andrew's unexpectedly rewarding journey serves as an inspiring testament to the power of a clear vision, the value of professional advice, and the joy of ultimately finding one's dream home by the beach.
Bring your vision to life today with MILEHAM.