And then there was the rising cost of building materials, which anyone who has built or renovated a property in the last five years knows all too well about. “Even a builder can’t escape it,” Simone said.

But these setbacks, while frustrating, ended up being blessings in disguise. “I always say that obstacles are an opportunity to create magic,” says Simone. “And all the obstacles (besides the bloody sand) allowed us to create moments in our house that were never part of the plan.”

There is definitely a lot of magic in this house. At street level, which is the upper floor of the house, a dramatic sloped ceiling gives a playful touch to each of the rooms, which include the master bedroom and its bathroom, an office, a dressing gown and a central corridor. The eye is drawn upward with a statement suspended lightingcreating an open and airy feel, while the space is anchored thanks to the rich wooden floors and touches of lush greenery.

Venturing downstairs to the kitchen, we are greeted by a spectacular Taj Mahal stone worktop, which contrasts dramatically with the wooden veneer and a playful brass footrest, giving the space coastal a sophisticated atmosphere. colonial edge. Every detail is carefully considered, from arched doorways to traditional light switches, creating “moments” everywhere you look.

The outdoor entertainment area is also something to behold. A large terrace, which can be fully enclosed to protect against the elements or opened to create an open-air feel, contains a kitchen and barbecue, a large dining table and a living room. Plus, the direct access to the pool from here is a stroke of genius for summer days.

One of Simone’s favorite features on this central level is a built-in bookshelf, artfully decorated with family photos, books and other treasures to create a lived-in look. In a space where everything is so precise and thoughtful, this fun and relaxed corner adds a conviviality that helps make this house a home.

The scale of the block begins to shine through on the lower level, where a huge backyard has been enclosed by a swimming pool and a large green lawn – perfect for everything from backyard cricket and croquet to large celebrations or parties.

This lower space is entirely reserved for children; the boys’ four bedrooms adjoin a lively living room where many sleepovers and movie nights are sure to take place.

So, in a home custom designed to suit Simone’s family, why does that little “maybe” still creep in? “Everyone always asks us, ‘Is this going to be the last one?’” Simone said. “And for someone who doesn’t know if they can say forever, ‘The Maybe Forever’ was the perfect name. So now when people ask me if it’s forever, the answer is simple… Maybe?

After all, eternity is very long.

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Writer

Bella Westaway

Senior Content Producer

Bella is a Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love. After graduating from the University of Technology Sydney in 2015, she began her journalism career at Huffpost Australia, before moving into roles in health, wellness and interior design. His work has appeared in The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, The Canberra Times, Mamamia, AG Outdoor, Australian Traveler, Bed Threads Journal and more. When she’s not writing about homes or creating Pinterest boards of her dream kitchen, you’ll find her hiking along Sydney’s beautiful coastal paths, curled up with a book, or taking a train to reorganize your living room… again.