So, I got this email a few months ago from a Michael McCormack. He was inviting me to check out his Point Lonsdale beach house. Michael is a builder and property developer, he’s a co-director and founder of Milieu – who build particularly considered and beautiful boutique developments in Melbourne’s inner Northern suburbs. I’d heard of Milieu (which was founded in 2010) and seen some of their impressive projects around town… and so in my mind, Michael McCormack was a 50+ man who drives a new model Mercedes, and his beachhouse, I presumed, would be a shiny architectural masterpiece.
WRONG on all counts. Michael McCormack is in his thirties. His partner, Laura, is an opera singer turned speech pathologist. Their beachhouse is a humble, rambling 1970’s pad, with distinctive cedar timber panelling, raked ceilings and a charming hodge-podge of salvaged furniture and treasured items – including an upright piano from Laura’s childhood, and Michael’s much loved surfboard collection. This is the quintessential, laid back Australian beach house, and much like the creative couple who live here, this place is disarmingly relaxed and unassuming.
Both Michael and Laura spent summer holidays growing up in Point Lonsdale, and have many happy memories here. Keen to buy in the area, the pair came across their home five years ago, after it had lingered on a local agents sales list for some time.
After moving in, Michael and Laura made a few basic updates and additions to their home. A dividing wall between the living space and kitchen was removed, and the kitchen updated simply, with the addition of a large industrial work bench and new appliances – ‘I’ve always wanted one of those retro Smeg fridges’ mentions Mike! The pair also replaced all the flooring, and painted throughout, but retained many original elements, such as the kitchen cabinetry.
Laura and Michael divide their time between their relaxed, beachside home and an apartment in Princes Hill in Melbourne. There’s still a lot on the ‘to do’ list here, but Michael and Laura are in no great hurry. ‘We still need to finish the laundry, and Mike wants to build a studio for work… however I suspect it’s for his surfboards!’ Laura mentions!
