A fully-furnished mid-century home, which has been the setting of a Coco Chanel fashion shoot, has hit the market with price expectations of $2 million - $2.2 million.
It was love at first sight when Chris Shaw set his sights on 53 Thomson Street in the NSW south coast town of Kiama just over ten years ago, so much so he convinced his partner Ian Treloggen to forgo plans to buy a block to build on in nearby Berry.
The renovated property at 53 Thomson Street, Kiama is a local icon. Picture: realestate.com.au
“I walked in and thought this just has the most fabulous bones and it was shaped like a boomerang, but nothing had been done with it,” Mr Shaw said. “And I thought I could really do something with this.”
They quickly cancelled their appointment to view the land in Berry and made an offer on the property on their car ride home to Sydney.
The renovation was inspired by Harry Seidler, particularly the iconic Rose Seidler House. Picture: realestate.com.au
A fan of Harry Seidler’s early Australian architecture, in particular the iconic Rose Seidler House, Mr Shaw engaged the services of architect Geoff Borst from Wollongong to create his own mid-century marvel.
“I showed him a couple of photographs…he had a notepad, a drawing book with pencils, and we sat there on grass, and he started sketching it up,” Mr Shaw said. “And I said ‘That's it, you've got it’… I've still got the old sketch.
The real-life Rose Seidler House (pictured) was designed by the young Harry Seidler for his parents Rose and Max. Picture: Getty
“It took about two years, and it was a collaboration between Geoff and myself. My partner wasn't at all interested. He was quite happy with the white brick place type of thing, and it all went from there.”
The end result has earnt the title of one of the town's most well-known and admired homes.
Set atop an elevated 845sqm landholding, the two bedroom, two bathroom home enjoys pristine harbour and ocean views.
The home has sweeping ocean views. Picture: realestate.com.au
The meticulous renovation - with mid-century hallmarks including bright pops of colour, timber accents, clean lines and exposed stone - saw the home awarded the prestigious Trends International Design Award 2019 for ‘Architect Renovation of the Year’.
The award-winning home has two bedrooms plus a separate study. Picture: realestate.com.au
Sales agent Andy Wharton from First National Coast and Country Kiama said the home featured a very functional, seamless floorplan that could be modified to one’s taste.
“It has a ‘50s feel and that’s the way it's been decorated as well, including furniture, all the artwork and lighting,” he said.
One of two eclectic bathrooms. Picture: realestate.com.au
“So it's quite bespoke. The owners had everything created for the property - it’s got a quirkiness about it. It may not suit every style, but it could easily be changed to an individuals feel.”
The sale also includes the home’s furniture.
“Everybody in town wants to look at it. It's one of those houses you drive slowly past,” Mr Wharton said.
The home is offered fully furnished with bespoke pieces designed specifically for the home. Picture: realestate.com.au
“We've always driven past it being in awe of the property.”
The home is being sold via a timed auction closing April 30.
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