How an artist turned an ‘ugly’ $4.4m home into a $14.5m waterfront gem

After living in 37 homes around the world as a “trailing spouse”, artist Michele Petrie and her late husband Hamish finally found a place to call home, choosing a waterfront property in Avalon Beach.

“My husband was a metallurgist … we moved an enormous number of times across Australia and overseas,” said Petrie, a 74-year-old sculpture artist and grandmother of four.

Sculpture artist Michele Petrie and her dog Spike are looking to downsize from their waterfront house in Avalon Beach.Credit: Steven Siewert

“[This] was our first home that we had actually been able to choose where we wanted to live because this was our retirement home.”

The couple decided this was where they were going to set permanent roots down and went on to transform the “ugly” waterfront into an architect-designed abode after several renovations spanning almost two decades.

After four years in Manhattan, they relocated when their first grandchild was born. When they found the house, the main appeal was its serene location among gum trees by the water.

“It was ugly. It had poor access from the street, with lots of steps. It didn’t have any sheltered winter outdoor living area and it didn’t have any northern light,” Petrie said.

But buoyed by its potential, they purchased the property in 2005 for $4.4 million.

For the first few years, they lived in the “Tuscany” house exactly as it was, except for the exterior, which was yellow.

“We hastily painted it grey because we couldn’t stand it!”

While the home had undergone several renovations by previous owners, the downstairs level was mostly original. So in 2008, they moved their furniture upstairs, and Brian Lamrock of Lamrock Builders redid the floor plan for guests and included an art studio.

Petrie and her late husband Hamish decided to set down roots in Avalon Beach after living in 37 homes, travelling around the world.Credit: Steven Siewert

By 2013, they planned more renovations. As an artist, Petrie had strong aesthetic views and collaborated with Rolf and Linda Haefeli from Atelier Haefeli.

“I wanted to have a hand in every colour, every stick, everything! I probably drove the poor architect insane,” she laughed.

To enjoy outdoor entertaining year-round, they designed areas that could offer shelter whether wind was blowing from the south-west or the north-east.

The waterfront property has been renovated since 2008.

They chose natural finishes and large windows and doors which opened to water views. They wanted to be fully immersed in the serene, leafy surroundings.

By late 2014, they had council approval for the build. As machinery was unable to reach the site, labourers dug the lift shaft by hand. This was the worst part of the process, according to Petrie, as it took many months.

When the work began, the dust and noise became unbearable, so the couple slept in the boatshed. Yet the simple life they shared by the water is a favourite memory.

“That was a fun time. And we wondered on a few occasions, what on earth are we doing spending all of this money on this major rebuild, when we should just really move in downstairs,” Michele said, referring to the boatshed.

While they did spend some time in Melbourne during the thick of it, it was good to be on-site. “It’s sort of like an archaeological dig when you start renovating a house that’s had a few incarnations,” she laughed.

The couple planned more renovations as time went on, with final work starting in 2021 on the boatshed.

“You need to be there too, especially with the renovation of an older house, where things are being uncovered and suddenly decisions have to be made.”

The adventurous couple enjoyed the renovation challenge and relished the process just as much as the outcome.

Hamish was diagnosed with cancer in 2017, and after 18 months of treatment died aged 71.

“My greatest sadness is that, after all the work we put into it, Hamish didn’t get to enjoy it for very long. But he loved it, and we got to enjoy some time here with our grandkids.”

The renovated home has hit the market with a guide of $14.5 million.

The last piece of the project, completed in 2021, was transforming the boat shed deck from a “goat track of mish-mashed rock and timber steps” to a single-level space with safe water access.

“The final step was some subtle garden and deck lighting, and the project was finally finished. It is a magical spot on a warm summer evening.”

Petrie said she wants to downsize and is hoping to pass it on to another water-loving family.

“The thought of leaving this house is quite gutting, but it’s a very large house, and I’m one small, 74-year-old lady with a little bordoodle dog.”

The home sits on 1088 square metres with five bedrooms, three bathrooms and five car spaces.

Petrie has listed the property at 185 Riverview Road with LJ Hooker Avalon Beach with a starting guide of $14.5 million.

Selling agent Jonothan Gosselin said it was a remarkable waterfront property that had every facility a boating enthusiast could need.

“You can go from the car to the boathouse without having to take a step up or down,” he said, referring to the lift and inclinator.