News Corp Australia
First published 9 Dec 2024, 4:30am
A Noarlunga Downs couple who have transformed their home into a Balinese-inspired oasis, complete with a stunning outdoor bar with a keg fridge and beer taps, are now swapping it for
the real deal.
Having converted to former Housing Trust home 34 Challenge Drive into a blissful, resort style haven, Sonya and Matthew Johnston are selling their three-bedroom home to move to Ubud, Bali’s hub for traditional arts, spirituality and wellness.
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“We’ve been to Bali eight times. From the very moment I went there, I got the bug,’’ Mrs Johnston said.
“It’s what’s inspired the house and backyard. While I’m proud of what we’ve created (with the property), I probably won’t miss it as much as I might have, given I’m going to recreate it in a more beautiful location.
“We have seen some land (in Ubud) where you just drool at what you could do with it.
“We’re going to build two villas. We will live in one and rent the other.’’
The former Housing Trust home has been given a Bali-inspired renovation.
It now features a stunning outdoor bar with a keg fridge and beer taps.
The outdoor space has played host to many parties over the years.
Mr Johnston has lived in the Noarlunga Downs home, set on a generous 636sqm block, for almost two decades, while Mrs Johnston moved in when the couple married 16 years ago.
The Balinese makeover started with a bathroom renovation, when the couple installed a carved timber vanity, volcanic stone basin and a double shower.
Each room that’s been updated in the home since then has continued in the same style, with a custom-made timber screen that helps define the kitchen and dining zones hand-carved and imported from the Indonesian province.
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But the undeniable jewel in the crown is the backyard, which boasts a covered entertainment deck with a charcoal grill rotisserie, a keg fridge, four pouring taps and a dishwasher.
Bamboo fencing, two water features, tropical plantings and a spectacular mural – handpainted by Mrs Johnston – create an atmosphere akin to the holiday hotspot.
“If I couldn’t be in Bali, I wanted my home to feel like I was in Bali,’’ Mrs Johnston said.
“It’s quite peaceful when you sit in the backyard.
“And it’s nice to leave a bit of myself here with the artwork. That’s completely been done by me and … it’s got a lot of love put in it.’’
The Bali theme continues inside.
The master bedroom is a tranquil haven.
The main bathroom is modern.
Mrs Johnson said the home has been perfect for entertaining and has hosted numerous celebrations, including New Year’s Eve parties, wine and cheese evenings and even an intimate wedding for 25 guests.
She said friends would often drop by for casual BBQs and a game of bocce.
“Everyone tries to create a little bit of calm in their own home but ours definitely has that feeling – we’ve done it as best we can,’’ she said.
“We’ve created something quite beautiful and I hope someone buys it who will love it as much as we do.’’
The property is for sale with Century 21 Southern, with expressions of interest closing on December 10.
– BY LAUREN AHWAN
English (US) · 