From a House to a Home

After more than forty years, a major renovation has  transformed this Lake Macquarie residence so the owners can enjoy their retirement in a fully renovated and maintenance-free house which takes full advantage of the elevated position above Caves Beach.

Like many renovations, this building project began with a weatherboard cottage which the owners had occupied unaltered since its initial construction in the 1970s. The house had been adequate for the owners’ needs and was similar to many houses built in this era; it had long since been surpassed by contemporary housing standards.

While the building was less than impressive, the site offered fantastic views and an ideal orientation. The original house did little to take advantage of these attractive attributes. It sits on an elevated position on one of the highest vantage points in Caves Beach. There are expansive views over the ocean from Caves Beach to Hams Beach, then north towards Swansea Channel and Lake Macquarie. The views take in the ocean, beaches, Swansea Heads and the Lake.

The original house was a modest, two-story structure with three bedrooms, a single bathroom and separate dining, kitchen and living spaces on the upper level. The kitchen was placed between the dining room and living room, effectively separating these spaces. The living and dining rooms opened onto a narrow deck; however this deck was severely dilapidated and no longer safe for use. Access to the building was via external stairs located on a side wall concealed from visitors. Underneath the existing house was an open area used as a carport and a small Laundry. The house was also showing its age, with maintenance of the roof and timber windows, and painting, all due…

Read more in Edition 73 of Hunter & Coastal Lifestyle Magazine.