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Natashia Ting and Peter Rosser (and their staffies Dallas and Remi) went searching for a spacious home to buy in Melbourne’s bayside in 2018.
They were initially disheartened with the properties on offer, that Natashia described as mostly new builds with the same big white kitchen, and an all-grey colour palette. ‘After a day of house hunting, we’d often get confused over what we had seen because every house presented in the same way,’ she says.
The couple expanded their search to Beaumaris with its mid-century charm and community of likeminded residents. Here, they finally came across the home they’d been searching for—a 1961 brick house with the retained character of its original design by architect-owner Jefferson Jones.
‘As soon as we walked in, I think we both felt something special from the house,’ says Natashia. ‘We both smiled and looked at each other and agreed immediately that the house was amazing.’
‘We loved the huge windows at the front with the elevated viewpoint, the large balcony, the giant established tree in the backyard and the solid build.’
Recognising the home’s potential, Natashia and Peter put in an offer on the spot, and moved in late 2019.
Since then, the couple have worked with Tecture architects and Beyond Form Building Group to sympathetically update the property. Its footprint remains unchanged, but the interiors have been given a major overhaul inclusive of a new kitchen and bathrooms.
Natashia and Peter made a conscious effort to avoid grey in favour of warmer colours throughout to instil cosiness, comfort, and fun. ‘We wanted the house to feel homely and inviting, but not kitsch or high-end luxe,’ says Natashia.
Tecture also helped to open up part of the floor plan, which was previously a ‘rabbit warren’ of smaller rooms.
Peter and Natashia and love their finished home, as does Beaumaris’ wider community of mid-century enthusiasts.
‘Most of the longtime residents in the area know the house,’ says Natashia. ‘When we were renovating and doing the front yard, many residents came by and said, “We are so glad you didn’t knock it down or change the outside!”
‘We are part of the Beaumaris Modern group which has introduced us to lots of likeminded people who love and want to preserve the mid-century architecture in the area.’
The pair have quickly adapted to the bayside lifestyle, enjoying drinks on the front porch, strolls along the nearby beach, and hosting regular parties. As Natashia says, ‘Life is pretty good out here in Beauie.’
