A weekend visiting friends in the Northern Beaches was all it took for Merivale design director Nasim Köerting and design strategist Jan Köerting, to reconsider their lives in central Sydney.

They decided to check out a few open homes while in the area, and quickly became obsessed with the ‘quirky, untouched mid-century houses’ scattered throughout the hilly and densely vegetated streets.

One property sealed the deal: a 1960s brick and timber house in Bilgola Plateau with breathtaking views across Pittwater through to Scotland Island.

‘Hardly anyone else showed up because the house was so original and un-renovated, but the moment we walked in, the clouds literally parted and we were met with that incredible view,’ says Nasim. ‘We knew right then it was the one.’

Save for some ’90s-style renovations to the kitchens and bathrooms, the house had been virtually untouched by its two previous owners.

‘You can feel the love in the walls; it has a great energy,’ says Nasim. ‘We didn’t intend to do a full gut renovation — we wanted to keep it light touch and true to the original design.’

Features that potentially deterred other buyers became the focal point of cosmetic updates designed by Nasim, with Jan on the tools, over six months.

Nasim explains the intent, ‘We wanted to acknowledge the original architecture and work with the space and enhance what was already there.

‘I think people struggle with making their homes “sellable” and “adding financial value”. We instead created a house that we wanted to live in ourselves.’

The sunken lounge was enhanced, blue kitchen cabinetry retained, cedar wall panelling restored, and concrete flooring exposed. The couple even added to the bold architectural base by painting the balcony railing red, in keeping with the window frames.

‘We were so nervous about it because we didn’t want to distract from the view, but it looks so awesome against the original brickwork,’ says Nasim. ‘We love it! It’s bold!’

Nasim and Jan’s styling dials up the drama, introducing contrasting textures, mostly Australian art, and designer furniture collected over many years. There’s no particular style they adhere to — the only rule is agreeing on every piece that comes into the home.

Having previously lived in London for a decade, this home has afforded Nasim and Jan a lifestyle they’ve long yearned for close to nature and in the regular company of loved ones.

‘We have loved hosting friends over the Christmas holidays — just spending days at the beach then sunsets and dinner on the balcony,’ says Nasim.

It’s a way of life they feel grateful for every day when having a coffee and looking out to the water beyond.

‘The view still stops me in my tracks. I don’t think I’ll ever get over it, it brings such a sense of calm,’ says Nasim. ‘We have beautiful walks, beaches, and lakes all around us. Some of Sydney’s most beautiful beaches are right here. It’s pretty idyllic.’

After much discussion (and with some hesitation!) Nasim and Jan have made the difficult decision to sell their home. 16 Hansford Parade, Bilgola Plateau heads to auction next week!

An edited version of this story first appeared in The Design Files Magazine Issue 03.