Kaamer Design founder Ruth van Overbeek and her husband Gil were living in Belgium when they received a call from the agent selling this home in Mount Eliza.
During their stint overseas, Ruth (who grew up in Belgium) and Gil (a Mornington Peninsula local) visited Australia every summer, which is when they’d passed by 269 Canadian Bay Road with a ‘for sale’ sign outside, and decided to inspect it.
‘We were captivated by it and made an offer that was initially declined. Nearly eight months later, back in Belgium, we received an unexpected call from the realtor asking if we were still interested,’ Ruth says.
They ended up buying the property and rented it out until they finally returned to Australia a few years later. By that time, the late 1960s California bungalow had seen better days.
‘I still remember the pink bathrooms with jeweled golden taps, the green floral shag carpet — nothing particularly pretty or charming remained from its original era,’ Ruth adds.
She says the ambitious two-year renovation was ‘a wild ride’. They completely rebuilt the interiors from the ground up, installing a new roof, double-glazed windows, and a 6kW solar panel system with a Tesla battery and charger that powers the 55-square-metre home.
While a draft designer helped outline the plans for an extension of the front and back of the house, Ruth took on the challenge of the interior redesign, filling the spaces with modern finishes, pops of colour, and European flair.
‘One of my favourite features of the home is the entrance with its double-story void and breathtaking picture windows. The way the light pours in creates a stunning visual impact as soon as you step inside,’ she says.
It’s been 15 years since the couple and their two children moved in, and they’ve loved every minute of living in the beachside home. Ruth says it’s bittersweet to have now listed the five-bedroom abode for sale.
‘Raising our kids in this space has been an incredible experience, and I can confidently say it’s the perfect family home. With its spacious layout, multiple entertaining areas both inside and out, it has served as the ultimate party pad.’
There’s even a pool, a basketball area, and a fire pit outside, giving the new owners something to enjoy all year round.
269 Canadian Bay Road, Mount Eliza, VIC 3930 is listed for private sale with Vicky Sayers at RT Edgar.
