Growing up, Virginia Morris’ family owned a holiday house in Anglesea (on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road) filled with beautiful memories and experiences she hoped to share with her own children, Kai (now 17) and Jude (15). She kept an eye on the town’s real estate for years, until a house just 100 steps from Point Roadknight beach became available.
‘It’s hard to describe, but there is an instant relaxing vibe that washes over you as soon as you walk in the front door… I felt it when I went to the first inspection when the house was on the market; I was sold the minute I walked in (although I put my best poker face on for the agent!),’ says Virginia. ‘I did everything I could to make it happen.’
Virginia loved the original 1980’s house, including its great natural air flow, north-facing windows. and exposed timber ceilings – all of which she planned on retaining.
‘The house was built by a builder local to the area… and still feels modern in its design 37 years on,’ Virginia says. ‘People are often shocked when they find out when it was built.’
At the same time, after years of being used as occasional holiday accommodation, the house had lost some of its homely feel. Several rooms had also been added over the time, leaving the property with a massive six bedrooms!
Renovations were undertaken over several years, in collaboration with local trades. The addition of a plunge pool/spa was the first priority; followed by a new kitchen with concrete bench tops; then the removal of a bar to open up the living area.
‘It felt nice to turn it back into a permanent family home,’ says Virginia.
Years later, the family converted an unused rumpus room, laundry, bathroom into a self-contained bungalow. This section features its own private entrance and courtyard, and is available for short term rent under the nickname 100 Steps to the Beach Bungalow. The family also rent the main house out on occasion, which sleeps 10 guests.
Styling wise, Virginia has played with colour to facilitate a ‘fun, relaxed beach vibe’ throughout the interiors. Indoor plants feature in almost every room, and are a welcome dose of greenery in contrast to the home’s dark exterior.
Add to this the sound of the waves as you drift off to sleep, and you have one very enviable home!
