Helen and Terry aren’t strangers to building and renovating. In fact, this dynamic duo has flipped five homes across Queensland, New South Wales, and now Victoria. Their passion for reviving old homes and building new ones has taken them up and down the East Coast, but Geelong has truly captured their hearts.
Falling for Geelong
Before their big move south, Helen and Terry were living in Bowral, NSW, where they lovingly renovated two homes. The idea of Geelong first sparked when their daughter attended a family wedding in the city. She fell in love with Geelong’s vibrant lifestyle, quality schools, and family-friendly vibe, so much so that she began seriously considering a move for her own family.
With its perfect mix of lifestyle and opportunity, Geelong ticked every box not just for Helen’s daughter, but for Helen and Terry too. Even their son decided to swap Sydney’s hustle for Geelong’s laid-back charm.
Having already navigated the complexities of town planning in Bowral, Helen’s daughter did her homework before locking in the move to Geelong. She contacted the City of Greater Geelong to understand planning approvals and timeframes for renovations and knockdown-rebuild projects. Armed with confidence in the local planning process, their plans quickly gathered momentum.
Choosing the Perfect Block
Helen and Terry made the move to Geelong, renting locally while they searched for the right property. They eventually secured an older home in Manifold Heights one they decided to knock down and rebuild from scratch. Next on the list: finding the right builder.
Finding the right design to suit their block led them to visit Geelong Homes’ Kensington 230 display in Leopold. The courtyard-style layout was an instant match for their block and lifestyle. They also connected with their sales consultant and loved the flexibility Geelong Homes offered to tweak pre-designed floorplans.
Doing Their Homework on Geelong Homes
With his tradie background, Terry wanted to be absolutely sure they were choosing a builder they could trust. He visited Geelong Homes construction sites, chatting with trades about quality, reliability, and financial stability. The feedback was glowing, trades praised Geelong Homes for paying on time, communicating clearly, and keeping sites well-organised.
Feeling confident, Helen and Terry began working with New Home Consultant Chris to fine-tune their Kensington 230 floorplan. They extended the lounge, raised bulkheads in the entry and lounge, and upgraded tiles, fixtures, and fittings. Helen, an interior designer herself loved the creative freedom of selecting colours and finishes with Geelong Homes. Her personality now shines through in every corner of the home.
A Seamless Build and a Neighbour-Friendly Site
The build process was just as smooth as the planning. Regular updates from their Site Supervisor kept everything on track. Neighbours, who stayed in regular contact with Helen and Terry during the build, even commented on how clean the site remained and how respectful the trades were throughout the project.
A Home That Fits Right In
Helen is especially proud of the façade, which complements the character of Manifold Heights. Since moving in, they’ve worked hard finishing the cottage-style landscaping and built an arbour with a seat, the perfect spot to watch the street action.
Inside, Helen’s creative eye is everywhere. As both an artist and having an eye for interior design, she’s crafted a cohesive, well-styled home, blending cherished older pieces of furniture with thoughtful new additions including a custom-built sofa designed to perfectly suit their living room.
The coastal-inspired bathrooms are a standout, featuring a subtle pop of blue on the laminate cupboards and custom mirrors that add texture and personality. The statement tiles in the powder room are another highlight, bringing character to even the smallest space. In the kitchen, pendant lighting adds both elegance and functionality, elevating the heart of the home.
Their courtyard was designed with privacy in mind, providing a sheltered oasis despite close neighbouring fences. To make the space more versatile, Helen and Terry installed an electric awning allowing them to enjoy summer shade without losing natural light from a permanent structure. This clever touch has turned the courtyard into a year-round entertaining area.
Since moving in, Helen and Terry have continued to transform their home, adding paving and garden beds. Inside, Helen’s finishing touches, including colourful artworks and custom furniture, have made the home truly theirs.
What’s Next?
Helen and Terry are looking forward to relaxing and entertaining family and friends in their new home. But knowing Helen and Terry, they’re not ruling out another project whether that’s another renovation or a knockdown-rebuild. One thing’s for sure: Geelong is now home for the long haul.
