A small rundown semi in Sydney's Bondi takes on a new life as a spacious and family-friendly beachy retreat.

Good things come to those who wait. And Dee Davies and her husband Andrew truly know the meaning of this old saying. The couple bought an "unliveable" semi in Bondi 15 years ago, but with a shortage of funds they had to wait 10 years before they could knock most of it down and turn it into the laidback beachy-style family home they had dreamed of.

Kitchen kudos

The old kitchen was replaced, but Dee loved the original pale yellow wall tiles so much that she was inspired to feature them in her new kitchen. "I found similar tiles and copied the look," she says.

Cool finish

Concrete is the dominant material in the new kitchen, with two tonnes poured to create the island bench alone. Builder Jeffrey Broadfield, who also created much of the couple's furniture and joinery, designed the small square windows above the stove to slide along the outside wall when opened.

Hallway to heaven

The original layout of the semi, with two bedrooms and a bathroom leading off the hallway, was pretty much retained downstairs, although a window was moved in one of the bedrooms to allow for more privacy from the neighbours.

Up front

"As soon as I walk through the front door I enter another world," Dee says. The new front door comprises extra-thick orange glass. "When the sun hits it the whole house lights up with an orange glow – the feeling is wonderful for the soul!"

Stair stunner

The downstairs passageway leads into the open kitchen and living area, and to an amazing staircase that is a feature in itself. The new upstairs section comprises the master bedroom, office and bathroom. "The stairwell was a labour of love," Dee says. "It was very intricate. There are no nails in it." Created over six months by builder Jeffrey and artist Janine Winstanley, it's crafted from tallowwood, shot-blasted stainless steel and Fijian tapa cloth. Avid cook Dee uses the spacious shelves beneath the stairs for storing her collection of cookbooks and kitchenware.

Bathroom beauty

The original "tiny" bathroom hadn't been altered since the 1930s, when the house was first built. Positioned off the hallway, it was replaced with a bathroom for the kids, which, like the adults' bathroom, was designed by Dee and Andrew who, helpfully, is a plumber. The open wet areas give the bathrooms a clean and uncluttered air. "We don't like shower screens and that normal bathroom look," Dee explains. The water is cleverly directed to the drains. "Because the bathrooms are completely open, we had to make sure the water didn't go everywhere!"

Sky light

The downstairs bathroom features a large sliding window that moves along the side of the house on runners. "If the kids are in the shower, they can look up at the sky," Dee says. "It's so nice in summer." Upstairs, louvre windows in the adults' bathroom open to the office, in keeping with the open-plan nature of the house design.

Upstairs sanctuary

The new timber storey is characterised by a superb curved roof. "I love the upstairs retreat because it's one large light-filled room, with a great outdoor daybed that we sleep on in summer," Dee says. The daybed, also made by Jeffrey Broadfield, features Burmese teak screens along one side for privacy. The couple oil all the timber in their home every 18 months to maintain its rich patina.

Gorgeous garden

The original garden needed a complete overhaul and, in keeping with the beachy-island theme, was replanted with tropical species in the front garden, and the back.

Decked out

A hardwood deck runs around the house, with the decking down the side of the home offset with a swathe of volcanic rock that Dee bought back from a visit to Indonesia. With a nod to heritage and a home full of exotic pieces found on their travels, the Davies have created a slice of paradise.

Who lives here?

Dee and Andrew Davies with their two children, Madison, 18, and Pama, 15. Plus, Coco the Rottweiler.

Building timeframe

"The renovation took 12 months, which took us to the stage where we could move back into the house," Dee explains. "Then it took another 12 months to put it all together."

Green aspects

Concrete floors help keep the house cool in summer, so aircon is not required. A light-filled space reduces the need for artificial lighting during the day. A 3000L water tank services the lush garden.

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