Seven years have passed since Britt and husband Damian bought their home on NSW’s far north coast, but they still have plenty of “pinch me” moments. “We’re always out at the beach, or riding and skateboarding on the coastal paths,” says Britt.”Our kids Madison and Stone have grown up with the same ‘street crew’ since they were babies. Honestly, we couldn’t have chosen a better upbringing for them.”
For Britt, who grew up in California, it was love at first sight when she and Damian discovered the picturesque coastal pocket. It had the same “where-the-farm-meets-the-sea feel” she fondly associated with her own childhood in a small, close-knit town on the US West Coast.
The pair decided it was an idyllic place to raise their family, so they initially rented in the area while they contemplated buying or building. One weekend, on a whim, they pulled up outside a home, open for inspection.”Damian took one look from the car and said,’No way’,” says Britt.
A purple exterior embellished with corrugated steel offered little street appeal – however, the sizeable flat block and its proximity to the beach prompted them to take a closer look. With good bones, abundant natural light and scope for Damian to landscape and indulge his green thumb, within a week they had put in an offer.
“We’d renovated before and Damian grew up on the tools alongside his dad Derek, who’s a builder, so I knew what we were capable of,” explains Britt of their plans for a thorough renovation. They lived in the home for several years to get a feel for the spaces and redesign the floor plan, and it soon turned into a real family affair.
Britt’s brother Luke, an architect, and Luke’s wife Lisa, an interior designer, offered their advice, and Damian’s stepbrother Phil signed off on the build.
The couple’s vision was for a relaxed, modern home that opened up to the garden and encouraged the family’s enjoyment of long lunches on the deck and weekend barbecues. Also, by moving the fence line to the front boundary, there was room for a pool that is now admired the moment you walk through an entrance walled in glass.
During the six-month renovation, Derek moved in and tackled most of the work with his son.”Damian was in his element working with his dad and Maddy loved chatting with all the tradies,”says Britt.
The significant changes also included reconfiguring the entrance to produce a striking, sun-drenched hallway; relocating the kitchen and dining area; and extending the deck to create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow made for entertaining.
A fourth bedroom with a gorgeous outdoor bath zone wrapped in timber was also added, giving visiting friends and family a sense of escapism whenever they stay.
Working within a tight budget, the couple opted for timeless finishes throughout, with crisp white walls and blackbutt timber floors, and invested in sliding doors to infuse a light, airy feel.
Furniture was also cleverly chosen and sees Jardan pieces mixed with op shop finds and Ikea bargains. “I didn’t want the house to lean strongly towards any one style,”remarks Britt.”I really just wanted to keep the palette calm so we can grow with it and add layers over time.”
Now the transformation is complete, weekends are devoted entirely to family time and making the most of the area – picnicking, lazing at the beach and swimming.
“On a Saturday night we’ll often light the fire pit out the back, invite friends over and watch an outdoor movie on our projector under the stars,” says Britt. “Having young kids, it’s all about enjoying the little things, which is really special.”
“It’s so easy to park yourself on the deck with a drink after a swim in the pool or a trip to the beach.” ~ Britt