I am Jayne, and together with my partner Felipe, I am slowly bringing a retro beach house in Currarong back to life. This project is not about a glossy, high-speed makeover; it is a deliberate, hands-on process of discovery and repair. As a professional photographer, my work through iONcreative has always been about documenting the real. I prefer to shoot exactly what I am faced with rather than trying to over-style or control the optics. This house provides the perfect subject for that philosophy. I will be documenting the journey as it unfolds, including the good bits, the questionable bits, and those inevitable “what the actual…?” moments that any house of this era throws at you.
Two Skill Sets, One House
The dynamic of this renovation is shaped by our professional backgrounds. While I capture the visual story, Felipe is the one on the tools. As a professional set builder, he is used to creating functional, structural spaces under pressure. This is ideal because most of the heavy lifting is in his territory. Whether it is painting, carpentry, structural repairs, or solving design tweaks on the fly, he has a knack for finding a way through.
One story that perfectly illustrates his approach happened before we even officially owned the home. On settlement day, before the keys were in our hands, Felipe was already busy repairing the stairs. It tells you everything you need to know about his skill level, his dedication, and the somewhat precarious state of the staircase at the time. It set the tone for the entire project: we are building the charm, one repaired stair at a time.
A Quarter Century of Currarong Ties
Our connection to this village is not new. My friends, of Myson Berkery Architects, bought into the area around 25 years ago, and I have been visiting ever since. Over those decades, Currarong became a place of lunch-hour swims, long bushwalks around Abrahams Bosom Reserve, and slow afternoons cooking and enjoying time with friends and with the occasional balcony dance session.
Buying this house was about more than just a property investment; it was about settling into a community that has been part of my life for over a quarter of a century. We wanted to create a space that stays true to its mid-century history without turning it into a dusty, frozen time capsule. It is about evolving the house so it works for modern life while respecting the “planned retreat” legacy that makes this village so unique.
Sustainability and the Art of the Find
Sustainability is a non-negotiable part of our process. We are not interested in a “knock down and rebuild” mentality. Instead, we are focusing on thoughtful, lasting updates that work for the long run. This includes installing solar power and battery storage, setting up water catchment systems, and establishing a garden full of veggies and fruit.
A large part of our design aesthetic comes from repurposing materials wherever possible. We are regular visitors to the local op-shops in Nowra, such as the Salvos and Vinnies where we scour the aisles for design elements and reclaimed materials that fit our mid-century theme. It is a slower way to renovate, but it ensures that every piece in the house has a story and a purpose.
The House is the Hero
You might spot a photo of us here and there, but you will not find any giant hero shots of the renovators. This project is about the house, our inspiration, the local area, and the process of building something that feels right for us. It is about the honesty of the materials and the reality of the work. We are not just fixing a building; we are finding its heart and building the charm, one step at a time.
Building the charm, one step at a time.