Modern country living in Sellicks Hill
This Sellicks Hill home features natural materials, sweeping coastal views and is a stone’s throw from the iconic Victory Hotel.
For the better part of six years Alex Houldsworth chipped away at building his Sellicks Hill home himself, enlisting family on the weekends in a true labour of love.
Before Alex got his hands on this property all that stood was a dilapidated 1975 home with cream walls and a tile roof.
But Alex, who works in construction, saw potential in the solid foundations, double brick veneer and expansive views over the coast.
“It wasn’t in the best condition … everything was old and it needed a good renovation,” he says.
“I thought it would be great to build on to – the double bricks were all in pretty good condition.
“It seemed simpler than going for a brand new build because you already had everything there – water and power already connected.”
The original home wasn’t exactly liveable so Alex, with his three young daughters and his wife at the time, made do with a shipping container and a motor home.
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Alex fitted the shipping container with a bathroom/laundry and once he had built a large shed on the property – in addition to the original that shed was already there – he moved in.
Approximately 12 months ago, the downstairs of the home was finally complete and Alex was able to move in.
He purchased the property in late 2020 and with delays from the pandemic he couldn’t find a draftsperson, so he taught himself how to do it and engaged structural engineer Scott Bentley to help with the finer details.
“I wanted to create a timeless home by blending the warmth and character of a traditional country home with the openness of contemporary living,” Alex says.
“Every major decision was made to capture the ocean views and create spaces where family and friends could come together.”
The reworked home features natural materials throughout, affording it the country style Alex sought, and champions the coastal views that drew him in in the first place.
Alex’s brother owns Veneer Stone which he has featured on the exteriors and interiors – the façade is a blend of dry stack and South Coast limestone, and ledge stone has been used in the alfresco and downstairs bathroom.
“One of my first trades that I did from a young age was stone masonry, so there was definitely going to be a lot of stone features in the home.”
Large glulam timber beams are a focal point of the home’s façade, which were extremely difficult to source.
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“It became quite difficult to get them when we had the timber shortage during Covid.”
“The suppliers here in SA couldn’t get access to it, so I had to call my building friend in Queensland, get him to purchase it and then organise my own freight over.”
Alex says one of the biggest challenges of the process has been the time it has taken.
“There were a lot of things that I didn’t anticipate doing.”
“When you’re trying to build something new and you’re working with existing walls and structures that aren’t perfect it’s a bit of a challenge.
“For instance, the second storey is structurally independent from the first – there are structural posts that had to be cut into the brick walls so that it wasn’t dependent on the original walls.
“I probably just underestimated how long it was actually going to take.”
The property sits on more than four hectares and is home to a generations old Frantoio olive grove and, Alex says, a mob of kangaroos.
Alex is going to miss the space and the views of the sunsets over the ocean, but is now ready for his next challenge.
“It’s just a really nice spot – you’ve got great views, you’re surrounded by wineries and McLaren Vale isn’t far away.”
“You’re close to everything, but you’ve got space out here.
“I chipped away at it for a long time myself, and every stage taught me something.
“It’s been a real passion project, and I’m incredibly proud of what it’s become.”
The sale of 3819 Main South Road, Sellicks Hill, is being handled by Nick Van Vliet and John Lewis of OC Real Estate.
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