From neighbours to best friends: the families that renovated a holiday home together

When Maryane and Frank Bogovic moved next door to Chris and Peta Wallace-Harrison, they instantly became best friends.

With six children of similar ages running between the two houses, the two families became close. By 2020, after two years of friendship and many late night conversations, the neighbours purchased a holiday house together for $1.74 million in the Tweed Shire.

Chris and Peta Wallace-Harrison, with Frank and Maryane Bogovic. The Bogovics moved next door six years ago, and the two neighbours quickly became best friends.Credit: Danielle Smith

The Casuarina locals found a run-of-the-mill property 20 minutes away in Wooyung. The side of the house that was facing the ocean had just one tiny window looking out to a view of farmland, which stretched all the way to the ocean on the horizon. The house was dark and closed in and the landscape was wildly overgrown. The main goal was to transform it into a relaxing space where multiple families could be comfortable together.

“When you go on a holiday, for example, when you want to go away with your [family], your brother’s family or his sister’s family and take your parents, there are limited places to stay where all of you can go to that and not be on top of each other and have this amazing experience and room,” Maryane said.

For nine months, changes were made, mostly by Frank, a stonemason, landscaper and qualified builder. This included knocking out walls, making structural changes, adding additional bedrooms with ensuites, putting a deck on the eastern side and adding a curved wall as a feature. All the stone was laid by hand, the gardens were completely redone and when there was an issue with uneven wooden flooring, a concrete floor was poured instead.

The original pool was painted white, the edging re-tiled, and the pavers were whitewashed all around the pool area. Palm trees from the property’s dam were transplanted next to the pool. Balinese umbrellas and furniture were shipped across, inspired by the Wallace-Harrison’s travels.

“You want to feel like you’re on holiday. So everything is really influenced by that relaxed, earthy, beachy, holiday vibe,” Maryane said.

Maryane did the styling and soft furnishings. The vanities, mirrors and bath were custom-made. The owners used a local artist’s artworks, which reflected the earthy red tones of the local farmlands. An enormous space to entertain outdoors was fitted out with an outdoor dishwasher and projector for movie nights. One year later, a hundred-year-old shed was converted into a meditation space perfect for light exercise. They also then splashed out on a recovery area, including a sauna, hot tub and ice-bath that cost $60,000.

“It’s been hugely, hugely popular because people don’t leave the property. They literally go there, and then they can have that whole day spa experience,” she said.

The home before the families undertook extensive renovations.Credit:

A huge outdoor fire pit space was created so that people could have a campfire experience and toast marshmallows looking out over the pool and view. An abundance of fruit trees of at least 20 varieties are on the acreage, and they continue to plant more, adding bananas recently.

Since the renovation was completed Maryane has managed the holiday home as a rental property and hearing guests’ reactions makes it all worthwhile. “Hearing people say ‘Oh wow this is just amazing,’... That’s what we wanted to do,” she said.

Stonehill Estate has been approached for commercial photo shoots for advertising and TV pilots, commanding a $2000 fee for the day. To stay at the property there is a minimum two-night stay and the rate varies from $3000 to $3500 a night depending on the season.

The families have celebrated many milestones and BBQs together, however, probably not enough Maryane said, due to the property’s popularity.

The property the two families bought has since been painstakingly transformed into a gorgeous, spacious holiday home with plenty of room for multiple families to stay.Credit: Danielle Smith

After getting itchy feet and looking for their next project, they have listed the property at 157 Warwick Park Road with LJ Hooker Kingscliff with a starting guide of $6 million.

Selling agent Nick Witheriff said the property is breathtakingly beautiful, close to the Gold Coast airport and Carbarita beach without the Byron Bay price tag.

“Six acres set on an elevated position with ocean views,” he said.

“It is a great investment opportunity for someone looking for high returns… it’s unheard of for residential property to achieve the kind of returns that we are here.”