A meticulously renovated mid-century home in Kiama, complete with bespoke furnishings, remains on the market with a reduced asking price. The property at 53 Thomson Street was initially listed for sale via a timed online auction but did not sell despite six registered bidders, according to selling agent Andy Wharton from First National Coast & Country.
Price Adjustment
The home had a price guide of approximately $2.1 million, which has now been lowered to between $1.85 million and $1.98 million. Mr Wharton explained that the adjustment was made in response to market feedback. He noted that while there has been an "amazing amount of interest" in the property, it is a "bespoke two-bedroom home that doesn't suit everyone's needs."
Renovation Journey
Chris Shaw and his husband Ian Treloggen purchased the home in 2015. At that time, 53 Thomson Street was a boxy, blonde-brick house trimmed in royal blue, featuring florid carpet and a purple bathroom. The couple enlisted Wollongong-based architect Geoff Borst to lead the renovation, a project that took 18 months to complete. Their efforts earned the prestigious Trends International Design Award 2019 for 'Architect Renovation of the Year'.
"Essentially the shell of the house was kept, because the shape was what was really important," Mr Shaw told the Mercury. The goal was to create a "house for the two of us," which involved converting the original three-bedroom layout into a two-bedroom home to create additional living space. "We didn't extend in any way — we kept the same footprint of the house because that was perfect as far as we were concerned. It's very bespoke, very mid-century."
Distinctive Features
The home boasts unique retro details, including a chrome starburst around the front door handle salvaged from a demolished mid-century house in Palm Springs, USA. Other retro features include an original kitsch fish bathroom shower screen, a zig-zag white handrail at the front, and blue-and-white mosaic tiles on the terrace. The property is being offered fully furnished, with some pieces dating back to 1955 that have been fully restored and reupholstered.
Location and Views
Situated on an elevated 845.6 square metre block, the home offers easterly harbour views and uninterrupted ocean vistas. The combination of its mid-century design, bespoke furnishings, and prime location makes it a unique offering in the Kiama market.
