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They say ‘when one door closes, another opens’. This was certainly the case for account director Deb Goode and industrial designer Peter Roff-Smith when they missed out on a Robin Boyd house at auction in 2009.
While they didn’t land the keys to the coveted home in Kew, it was at that same auction when a friend introduced them to the owner of another retro house that was just around the corner. As luck would have it, he was looking to sell.
‘We had been looking for a while and had friends already in our street; we were so happy to successfully buy in the area,’ says Deb, who has worked with Melbourne creative agency Ortolan for 20 years.
Built in 1958, the modernist gem had everything the couple had been dreaming of: abundant natural light, leafy outlooks from its elevated position on the side of a hill, and even a playroom for their children, who were then aged three, five, and seven years old.
Most of its original flair had been maintained by the former owners. However, there was one new eye-catching feature introduced after a sympathetic renovation with architecture firm Goad Fink in 1994.
In addition to updating the bathrooms and courtyard, they added a new custom mosaic kitchen splashback, inspired by the colourful mural at the iconic Rose Seidler House in Sydney.
In Deb and Peter’s creative hands, the house has further evolved. The couple first installed a pool, complete with a playful Perspex window that provides underwater views.
When family needed more space a few years later, they built an extension at the rear, containing a second living room, with the main bedroom and study located upstairs, unlocking views across the leafy neighbourhood.
‘We wanted to keep it as authentic as possible, retaining the feeling of being in the treetops and living in the light,’ Deb says.
‘Our home works really well,’ Deb says. ‘It has seen many little kids’ pool parties, a few big kids’ pool parties, and many adult birthday parties and our annual Christmas party.’
And thanks to Deb and Peter’s sentimental collection of vintage furniture, the house’s retro spirit is alive as ever. The Tessa swivel chairs and ottoman have been passed down from Peter’s family; the 1960s sideboard was a gift from friends; and they bought the Eames Herman Miller moulded dining chairs about 25 years ago.
‘Peter and I have been collecting art for a long time, often gifting each other artwork for birthdays,’ Deb adds.
Their careful custodianship is one of the reasons why the enduring house has served the family so well for the last 17 years — and why it will continue to do so for many years to come.
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