Simone Haag and her husband Rhys used to regularly stalk Modernist homes online when they lived in a ‘cute’ one-bedroom apartment in Melbourne’s inner-city suburbs.
So when they finally found a mid-century home to call their own in Ringwood (for just $425,000 back in 2011!) they knew they had to help bring it back to life. The 13 Poynton Avenue property was weathered after being neglected by its various previous renters, so it was in ‘desperate’ need of a savvy renovation!
‘None of our family could quite see the appeal, and to be perfectly honest – I don’t think even Rhys and I could have foreseen how magical this home could have become,’ Simone says.
They initially refreshed ‘just about every surface’ in the property except the original brick fireplace. This included adding in larch wood floors, fresh carpets, the kitchen and bathroom, before furnishing the home with Simone’s creative touch.
Years later, Simone and Rhys toyed with the idea and selling and moving on when their family outgrew the house with the addition of their three daughters. ‘But our connection to this space was so strong that we decided to extend rather than sell,’ Simone explains.
The couple enlisted the help of Kennedy Nolan for the second mindful renovation in hopes of maximising space while respecting the property’s retro characteristics. In addition to creating a new private master bedroom, they established a deck off the dining room for an indoor-outdoor feel and expanded the living room so there was enough room for a custom rattan unit – where the concealed, remote-controlled TV pops up from!
But after almost 11 years, the Haags are ready for a new project and have decided to list their beloved residence. One of the features they’ll miss the most is the master bedroom, complete with a towering 100-year-old gum tree just outside the ensuite window, and the living room’s sweeping views to the Dandenongs.
‘[The plan is] to find another mid-century modern gem and start all over again,’ Simone says of the family’s next move, so watch this space!
‘We hope that the next custodian of this house can feel the love and energy we put into it and overlay it with their family and their own special finds – unless of course we decide to sell all of our furniture and start over – which is a distinct possibility.’
13 Poynton Avenue, Ringwood is listed with Voglwalpole Estate Agents for private sale. Take a look at the full listing.
