Philip and Mary Thompson of Canberra, Australia are tired of all the attention. Cars slow down to a snail's pace as they cruise past their holiday home on the south coast of New South Wales. Some drivers honk their horns, while others sing out the window, "I love your house!"
The Thompsons didn't expect such an enthusiastic response. They simply fell in love with a fairly standard, suburban beach house with enviable ocean views and gave it a quirky yet effective overhaul. The result is a standout project that you can't help but look at twice.
And that's just the outside. Dramatic, fire-engine red drainpipes look like a sophisticated sculpture against a steely, grey facade.
"We weren't looking to make an architectural statement," Philip says, "but we wanted a house that had some interest."
When the house was designed in the 1970s, essential services including water, sewerage and air conditioning systems were hung off the exterior. "When deciding how to handle the drain and sewerage pipes at our holiday house we thought of the Pompidou Centre" in Paris, Philip says. "Perhaps the dramatic colour provides a warning for what's inside."
Equally as impressive as the exterior palette is a hefty steel awning, which had to be craned into its current position. It protects the top level of the two-storey, north-facing home from unwanted sun glare. The awning was Mary's idea, but an engineer brought the idea to fruition.
Doubtless, it is under this awning that Philip and Mary (now retired from public service and the finance sector, respectively) spend much of their time relaxing, reading or entertaining friends. It's also where they spend time with their adult children (James, 32 and Sophie, 29) and their extended family.
"One of the reasons we purchased a holiday home on the south coast is that our children live in Melbourne and Sydney," Mary says. "It's the perfect meeting point."
When the Thompsons bought it, the house had endured countless renovations that more or less ignored the views. Philip and Mary considered knocking it down. Fortunately, a local builder, Greg McMillan, and the designer Pennie Tyrrell were able to interpret their renovation ideas, add some magic of their own and turn a revamp into a reality.
"The original house featured three bedrooms on the upper level," Tyrrell says. "One of these was located where the new kitchen is today, while the old kitchen was located at the rear of the property without any views. It simply didn't make any sense."
Now the kitchen is part of a bright, open-plan living and dining space and a focal point of the home. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide sunlight to the indoor space as well as keep the steel-coloured exterior from seeming too dark or heavy.
Philip and Mary wanted a comfortable interior - "nothing fussy" - and this has been acheived through the use of white, punctuated with colour. It is minimal and glamorous without being clinical. The red and white accents in the living and dining space echo the exterior colours and create a lighthearted, playful environment.
"It's good to keep things simple," Philip says. "Less really is more."
Wood floors made from Western Australia blackbutt, a eucalypt, were chosen for the colour, which resembles the sand on nearby beaches, as well as their durability and moderate fire resistance.
The Thompsons also increased the upstairs floor area by 1.8 metres to include such luxuries as an ensuite bathroom in the main bedroom, a toilet adjacent to the kitchen and a larger second bedroom and bathroom.
"The extra bathrooms upstairs mean that we can be completely self-sufficient and so can the guests in their self-contained zone downstairs," Mary says.
Renovations also opened up the view in the master bedroom. Now Philip and Mary wake up every morning to see waves rolling onto the beach.
But what really makes this house sing is Philip and Mary's vibrant, eclectic collection of art, sculptures and knick-knacks collected on their travels, both domestic and abroad. With an exacting colour scheme, an almost self-conscious display of ornaments and an extensive artwork collection, the house bears the hallmarks of a gallery, but it's comfortable to be in. It's playful yet extremely sophisticated.
As Mary explains: "Art is a big part of our lives. Philip's parents were both avid art collectors and his older brother was a painter and sculptor for many years. It's in his blood. When we travel or even when we're in Canberra, we love to look at art galleries and interesting buildings. But when we come to the coast, we like to relax and take time out."
The Thompsons make it to their coastal retreat at least a twice month, which, they concur, is sufficient. They have the best of both worlds. In the nation's capital they have cafes and culture, and at their coastal hideaway they have all the scenery and seascapes a soul could crave. True there's the odd pesky passerby, too, but maybe that's the price of having the best-looking house in the street.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg result:
Ajax 2-3 Tottenham
Tottenham advance on away goals rule after tie ends 3-3 on aggregate
Final: June 1, Madrid
The%20specs
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A cheaper choice
Vanuatu: $130,000
Why on earth pick Vanuatu? Easy. The South Pacific country has no income tax, wealth tax, capital gains or inheritance tax. And in 2015, when it was hit by Cyclone Pam, it signed an agreement with the EU that gave it some serious passport power.
Cost: A minimum investment of $130,000 for a family of up to four, plus $25,000 in fees.
Criteria: Applicants must have a minimum net worth of $250,000. The process take six to eight weeks, after which the investor must travel to Vanuatu or Hong Kong to take the oath of allegiance. Citizenship and passport are normally provided on the same day.
Benefits: No tax, no restrictions on dual citizenship, no requirement to visit or reside to retain a passport. Visa-free access to 129 countries.
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Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
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Confirmed%20bouts%20(more%20to%20be%20added)
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What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
- Grade 9 = above an A*
- Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
- Grade 7 = grade A
- Grade 6 = just above a grade B
- Grade 5 = between grades B and C
- Grade 4 = grade C
- Grade 3 = between grades D and E
- Grade 2 = between grades E and F
- Grade 1 = between grades F and G
The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Brief scores:
Everton 2
Walcott 21', Sigurdsson 51'
Tottenham 6
Son 27', 61', Alli 35', Kane 42', 74', Eriksen 48'
Man of the Match: Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur)
Tips to avoid getting scammed
1) Beware of cheques presented late on Thursday
2) Visit an RTA centre to change registration only after receiving payment
3) Be aware of people asking to test drive the car alone
4) Try not to close the sale at night
5) Don't be rushed into a sale
6) Call 901 if you see any suspicious behaviour
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Company%20profile
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Afghanistan squad
Gulbadin Naib (captain), Mohammad Shahzad (wicketkeeper), Noor Ali Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Asghar Afghan, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Samiullah Shinwari, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Dawlat Zadran, Aftab Alam, Hamid Hassan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
Racecard
6pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 Group 1 (PA) $55,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
6.35pm: Oud Metha Stakes Rated Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,200m
7.10pm: Jumeirah Classic Listed (TB) $150,000 (Turf) 1,600m
7.45pm: Firebreak Stakes Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,600m
8.20pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 Group 2 (TB) $350,000 (D) 1,900m
8.55pm: Al Bastakiya Trial Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,900m
9.30pm: Balanchine Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
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The%20Specs
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More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Results
- Brock Lesnar retained the WWE Universal title against Roman Reigns
- Braun Strowman and Nicolas won the Raw Tag Team titles against Sheamus and Cesaro
- AJ Styles retained the WWE World Heavyweight title against Shinsuke Nakamura
- Nia Jax won the Raw Women’s title against Alexa Bliss
- Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon beat Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
- The Undertaker beat John Cena
- The Bludgeon Brothers won the SmackDown Tag Team titles against the Usos and New Day
- Ronda Rousey and Kurt Angle beat Triple H and Stephanie McMahon
- Jinder Mahal won the United States title against Randy Orton, Rusev and Bobby Roode
- Charlotte retained the SmackDown Women’s title against Asuka
- Seth Rollins won the Intercontinental title against The Miz and Finn Balor
- Naomi won the first WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal
- Cedric Alexander won the vacant Cruiserweight title against Mustafa Ali
- Matt Hardy won the Andre the Giant Battle Royal
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
UAE rugby in numbers
5 - Year sponsorship deal between Hesco and Jebel Ali Dragons
700 - Dubai Hurricanes had more than 700 playing members last season between their mini and youth, men's and women's teams
Dh600,000 - Dubai Exiles' budget for pitch and court hire next season, for their rugby, netball and cricket teams
Dh1.8m - Dubai Hurricanes' overall budget for next season
Dh2.8m - Dubai Exiles’ overall budget for next season
if you go
The flights
Emirates offer flights to Buenos Aires from Dubai, via Rio De Janeiro from around Dh6,300. emirates.com
Seeing the games
Tangol sell experiences across South America and generally have good access to tickets for most of the big teams in Buenos Aires: Boca Juniors, River Plate, and Independiente. Prices from Dh550 and include pick up and drop off from your hotel in the city. tangol.com
Staying there
Tangol will pick up tourists from any hotel in Buenos Aires, but after the intensity of the game, the Faena makes for tranquil, upmarket accommodation. Doubles from Dh1,110. faena.com
If you go
Flight connections to Ulaanbaatar are available through a variety of hubs, including Seoul and Beijing, with airlines including Mongolian Airlines and Korean Air. While some nationalities, such as Americans, don’t need a tourist visa for Mongolia, others, including UAE citizens, can obtain a visa on arrival, while others including UK citizens, need to obtain a visa in advance. Contact the Mongolian Embassy in the UAE for more information.
Nomadic Road offers expedition-style trips to Mongolia in January and August, and other destinations during most other months. Its nine-day August 2020 Mongolia trip will cost from $5,250 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, two nights’ hotel accommodation in Ulaanbaatar, vehicle rental, fuel, third party vehicle liability insurance, the services of a guide and support team, accommodation, food and entrance fees; nomadicroad.com
A fully guided three-day, two-night itinerary at Three Camel Lodge costs from $2,420 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, accommodation, meals and excursions including the Yol Valley and Flaming Cliffs. A return internal flight from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad costs $300 per person and the flight takes 90 minutes each way; threecamellodge.com
Company%20Profile
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