‘Paint it white’: Why four builders turned down Aus’ favourite home

7 Britannia St, Manly

The owner of a stunning mid-century modern home crowned the nation’s most-viewed property headed to auction has revealed her struggle securing a builder willing to take on the retro wonder.

The 1970s-built bayside property at 7 Britannia St, Manly was snapped up for $2.41m in 2022 by Bevan and Katia Morley, property records show.

The couple was captivated by the home’s original features, including dramatic shiplap ceilings and exposed brickwork, but their enthusiasm took a hit when it was time to plan the renovation.

Stunning harbour views

“I absolutely wanted to keep all the original stuff and be as sympathetic as possible when it came to renovation,” Ms Morley said, sharing the property online.

“I interviewed four builders.

“While standing in [the] lounge room, one says to me ‘ahhhhh … don’t worry about all this stuff, love. You can paint it white!’”

As an interior designer, Ms Morley had a clear idea of what she wanted, and eventually found a builder who could pull off their vision.

“The ‘white wash’ appeals to the masses but it is never the solution for a period home. I feel that thought and consideration of the era needs to happen,” she said.

The home was described as a ‘mid-century marvel’

The home has dual living potential over two levels

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It’s a sentiment clearly shared by many buyers, as the five-bedroom, three-bathroom home on a 688 sqm parcel notched up the most clicks on realestate.com.au among properties listed for auction across Australia this weekend.

Marketing agent Alec McEwan, of McGrath, said the owners had already been presented with several offers, but opted instead to let the home go under the hammer as planned.

“Buyers are saying it has a very warm and homely feel,” Mr McEwan said.

“I think the days of walking into a Hamptons show home are behind us as more people are looking for something more unique and charming.”

The mineral pool has a spa bubbler

The five-bedroom, three-bathroom home with a mineral pool is a testament to thoughtful design, stretching an impressive 41m parallel to the water’s edge with panoramic views of sailboats dotting the bay and islands in the distance.

Inside, 338 sqm of under-roof space is defined by clean, classic lines across a double-storey layout with wide windows and living areas opening onto terraces and manicured lawns.

The master bedroom is a standout, with a walk-in wardrobe, stylish ensuite complete with champagne fridge, and an 11m oceanview deck.

Original features include shiplap ceilings and clerestory windows

A backlit bar in the downstairs living zone

Downstairs, the living area features an LED backlit bar, adding to the home’s unique character and entertainment potential.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the property offers dual living flexibility across each level and is located a short stroll from the Esplanade and Manly Village.

PropTrack data shows house prices in Manly were up 5 per cent over the past 12 months to a median of $1.62m.

Mr McEwan said the local property market had come into its own over recent years, with families from some of Brisbane’s well-heeled inner suburbs drawn by the relaxed lifestyle and newer designer homes.

There are five bedrooms and three bathrooms

The area was fast gentrifying, with larger land holdings split to make way for contemporary new dwellings.

“Manly has performed really well over the last three years and is finally starting to catch up with Brisbane after always being a little behind, but the secret of Manly and Wynnum’s great bayside lifestyle is really getting out,” he said.

The home goes to auction on September 27.

The post ‘Paint it white’: Why four builders turned down Aus’ favourite home appeared first on realestate.com.au.