A South Australian couple, M & M, had to shut down their thriving Airbnb and holiday rental property, Red Door at Port Willunga, after 20 years due to the Covid pandemic. The couple, who lived in Victoria, felt isolated from their loved ones and their home in Port Willunga, which they considered their “forever home”.
A gap today brought together by a nine-hour drive or a 75-minute flight. But for husband-and-wife renovators M & M during the Covid pandemic, it was distance that just couldn’t be measured. Living in Victoria after work brought them back a second time five years earlier, the couple were forced to cut ties with what they always hoped would be their “forever home” – and popular holiday rental – in Port Willunga.
They started to feel an increasing need to bring color into their life, which they later learned was called “dopamine décor”. “We had plenty of time to think when you can’t go anywhere and in Melbourne (during the pandemic), you really couldn’t go anywhere,” they continue. “It was during this time, staring at the same white walls, I felt an increasing need to bring colour into our little space.”
New Home Found
The couple decided to buy a new home in Port Willunga, which they found through a community forum. They made an offer on the house without inspecting it, and bought it on a Sunday night in Melbourne. The house needed significant renovations, including fixing structural issues and updating the kitchen and bathroom.
Over two years, the couple traveled back and forth from Melbourne to attend to every corner of the 1980s three-bedroom, brick veneer home. They wanted to create a home that was not restrained by trends, but focused on sustainability and supporting local businesses. “This house is simply about choosing what we like – set up as a home, not restrained by trends, using lots of colour, less curating, more joy, keep footprint light, focus on sustainability,” the couple says.
The couple’s philosophy was to enjoy the planning process and be open to surprises. They wanted to create a home that felt special for their guests, who would be using it as a short-term holiday rental. They also wanted to make it feel like a forever family home. With the home set up for mixed use – a forever family home and a short-term holiday rental – there also was, and still is, a determination to “make it feel special for guests”.
However, the renovation process was not without its challenges. The couple faced unexpected issues, such as jammed sliding doors, out-of-whack kitchen cupboards, and a dishwasher door that wouldn’t shut properly. They also struggled to project manage the build from interstate.
Renovation Challenges
Despite the challenges, the couple remained confident and determined. They worked on renovating the house, and their efforts paid off. Port Willunga is just 45 minutes from Adelaide and minutes from the renowned McLaren Vale wine region. With its pristine beach, clifftop views, and relaxed coastal lifestyle, the area attracts holidaymakers year-round.
“We’ve had lots of lovely feedback from our guests, which is really the bee’s knees when you put your heart into hopefully offering a getaway that people feel is special and worth their precious hard earned dollars,” the wife says proudly.
As the couple looks back on their experience, they have learned valuable lessons. They advise others to look first, inspect the property for longer than 5 minutes, and do what they love. They also emphasize the importance of avoiding single-use items, shopping locally, and supporting small businesses.
Dream Realized
Today, the couple’s home stands as a reflection of their love and dedication to their forever home. With its pristine beach, clifftop views, and relaxed coastal lifestyle, Port Willunga is the perfect location for a home. The couple’s dream has been realized, and they are now able to share it with others.
M AND M’S PLACE Built: 1984 Land: 697m2 Bed: 3 Bath: 2
Words: Jordan Pinto Photography: Amanda East Photo, Kate Paneros
