Renovated Mid-Century Kiama Home Draws Attention with Unique Design
An extensively renovated mid-century home located at 53 Thomson Street in Kiama has been listed for sale, complete with bespoke furniture pieces that enhance its distinctive character. The property, purchased by Chris Shaw and husband Ian Treloggen in 2015, originally presented as a boxy, blonde-brick house with royal blue trim, florid carpet, and a purple bathroom. The couple, while driving through Kiama en route to visit friends in Berry, decided to view the home on a whim and ultimately bought it during that car journey, inspired by its potential and unique boomerang-like shape.
Architectural Transformation and Award-Winning Renovation
The renovation project, led by Wollongong-based architect Geoff Borst, took 18 months to complete and retained the original shell of the house due to its important shape. Classified by the council as a renovation or rebuild rather than a simple update, the project transformed the three-bedroom home into a two-bedroom space to create extra room without extending the footprint. This meticulous work earned the prestigious Trends International Design Award 2019 for 'Architect Renovation of the Year', highlighting the successful blend of mid-century aesthetics with modern functionality.
Key features of the renovated home include:
- A chrome starburst around the front door handle salvaged from a demolished mid-century house in Palm Springs, USA.
- Retro elements such as the original kitsch fish bathroom shower screen, a zig-zag white handrail at the front, and blue-and-white mosaic tiles on the terrace.
- Fully restored and reupholstered furniture pieces dating back to 1955, which are included in the sale.
Property Details and Sale Information
The home sits on an elevated 845.6 square metre block, offering easterly harbour views and uninterrupted ocean vistas. It is being sold fully furnished via a timed auction ending on April 30, with a price guide of $2 million to $2.2 million. Chris Shaw expressed sadness about parting with the property, noting it holds many happy memories and continues to bring joy whenever he sees it. The couple is selling to relocate interstate, marking the end of an era for their beloved mid-century retreat.
Community Impact and Agent Insights
Selling agent Andy Wharton from First National Coast & Country described the home as a standout in Kiama, mixing timeless mid-century elegance with modern convenience. He remarked that it is the type of house that causes passers-by to slow down and admire it, drawing widespread attention within the popular seaside town. The renovation has not only preserved the home's historical charm but also created a bespoke living space that resonates with both residents and visitors alike.
