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| Pied a terre |
| Today, this home is the picture of tranquility; but it wasn't always that way. |
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Bigger isn't always better according to these Gold Coast dwellers. When Shirl first visited Suzie and Bob Beirne in 1999 they had a holiday home in Noosa and lived in a beautiful six bedroom mansion. Since then, the kids have left home and the empty nesters have traded the mansion for a home built for two. The new residence is tranquil, with beautiful gardens and a private location. But their pied a terre wasn't always ideal — the house was in serious need of some renovations.
All that remains of the small house Suzie and Bob bought is the bones. They've renovated from top to bottom, putting their stamp on the new property and creating their dream home. The creative duo did most of the work themselves, utilising Suzie's flair for interior design and Bob's building skills.
Bob gutted the mezzanine, creating a totally new look. The plumbing and wiring were redone, and the walls and ceiling replaced. Two bedrooms, a bathroom and walk-in dressing room were incorporated into the new layout. The ensuite was relocated and given an elegant look, with plantation shutters and cream stone walls and floors.
Downstairs was a major operation with the kitchen being completely transformed. First, the kitchen was moved to the opposite end of the house. It was updated with a new layout, and modern fittings and appliances. The new kitchen was designed as a link between the breakfast area and garden.
The décor is exotic, with artefacts and influences from Bali, Botswana, Fiji and Africa. The house is stamped like a seasoned traveller's passport, with palm wood flooring from Fiji, a wild leopard print runner, exotic friezes, a zebra skin rug and tribal statues.
The laundry was incorporated into the main bathroom and hidden behind louvred doors. The washing line, garden and garage are accessed by large sliding glass doors. Outside, Bob paved the garden with large sandstone slabs and created an exotic al fresco dining area.
Suzie and Bob worked with a shell. They bagged the brickwork, laid new Gyprock and replaced the ceilings and floors. The interior was reshaped to suit their individual styles and changing needs. So now that they've got a house for two is there more time for quiet romantic dinners? No — they've got plenty of trundles hidden away so the kids can sleep over whenever they like.
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More Info
Suzie Beirne's Interior/Exterior Design Business:
Maison Jardin
3 Vespa Crescent
Surfers Paradise
Gold Coast QLD 4217
Ph: 07 5592 3022
Fax: 07 5592 3001
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Disclaimer
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