‘The ugly duckling come good’: From unlovable block to stunning coastal home

When interior designer Claire Evans first saw the block of land in Rye that would eventually become ‘Nerissa’ she described it as “unlovable”.

“It was completely vegetated with local, indigenous plants,” says Evans. “It fell from north to south and it rose from east to west. There were undulations and it was just completely unworkable.”

Despite the challenges presented, the Melbourne-based designer was drawn to the plot of land because of its natural surroundings and privacy.

“I saw its potential,” Ms Evans said. “Although it’s a corner block, it’s really private and I could see how we could connect to the existing vegetation.

“It’s the ugly duckling come good.”

Ms Evans purchased the block in 2021 and set about creating a unique home that worked with the topography of the site.

After a somewhat lengthy design process that took place during Melbourne lockdowns, the build began in August 2022.

Ms Evans worked with architecture firm The Sociable Weaver and construction company Martin Builders due to the sustainability practices of both businesses.

“Sustainability was important to us,” Ms Evans said.

“If we were going to build something, we had to do it with the best intentions and the best outcomes we could.

“Not only for the local environment and its humility in the block, but for the environment at large.”

When it came to designing the interiors, Ms Evans took her inspiration from the natural environment and vegetation.

“For me, it was about how do I celebrate that?” Ms Evans said.

“I also wanted to subtly reference it through the colour palette.”

One of the materials that Evans first purchased was the green Calacatta marble that is used throughout the kitchen and bathroom

“It was heavily discounted, no one wanted it,” Ms Evans said.

“I thought it was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.”

For Ms Evans, this stone was the “creative starting point” and perfectly reflected the connection to nature.

The colour palette for the rest of the property was then built out from here.

Throughout the four-bedroom home, a mix of warm neutrals creates both a stylish and welcoming atmosphere.

The use of natural textures like timber, stone and linen connect the home to nature while also providing a luxurious feel.

When it came to the landscaping, Ms Evans and her husband did much of the work themselves on weekend trips from Melbourne.

“That final phase was blood, sweat and tears for us,” Ms Evans said.

“The vegetation in some areas was around two-to-three metres high, so we would go down every weekend and pull it up.”

Once the property was completed, Ms Evans and her family enjoyed the property as a holiday home and also made it available for short term stays.

“We’ve loved sharing the house and the feedback we get,” Ms Evans said.

“As an interior design having people blown away by the interiors, and the sense of connection to nature, it feels amazing.”

The highlight of the home is undoubtedly the light-filled kitchen, which has a stunning outlook of trees.

Unsurprisingly, this is also one of Ms Evans’ favourite parts of the home.

“It’s got a beautiful vibe,” Ms Evans said.

“Quite deliberately, we narrowed the entry and then the house opens up and you see the kitchen and the trees.

“For me, the kitchen is one of those places that I think is genuinely quite moving. It’s the generosity of space and the connection to nature.”

With weekends now filled with children’s sport, the Evans family were finding less and less time to visit their beloved coastal home.

However, the decision to list the property was not an easy one. Despite feeling sad to say goodbye, Ms Evans is happy for someone else to enjoy the home just as her family has.

“I’m at peace with it now,” Ms Evans said.

“It’s taken me a really long time to get there because of all the hard work we’ve put in, but I’m genuinely excited by its next phase.

“The block had sat there for a long time unloved, and I love that it’s now completely transformed.”

The house at 9 Belinda Street, Rye, is listed for sale by Adam Vocale at Jellis Craig with a price guide of $2.25 to $2.35 million.