From dated to dreamy: Wendy Moore’s Nowra Hill makeover on Selling Houses Australia
Five acres, huge views and an even bigger to‑do list. With bathrooms missing and cold flooring that had outstayed its welcome, our Nowra Hill makeover called for strategy, warmth and a touch of renovation magic on Selling Houses Australia
Photography Selling Houses Australia/Lifestyle
Dennis Scott and Wendy Moore on site at Nowra Hill, NSW, on Selling Houses Australia.
At first glance, Bob and Robin’s Nowra Hill acreage shouted “Space! … And so much work.” With Bob recovering from a hip replacement and endless stairs to navigate, the couple needed their property sold sooner rather than later. But buyers simply couldn’t see past the dated flooring, the overwhelming scale or the fact that one bathroom had become a “non‑suite” (yes, entirely missing).
We had $90,000 to stretch across five acres of indoor‑outdoor living, two bathrooms, multiple living areas and a pool zone that deserved a second life. So I focussed on what would give buyers emotional and practical confidence: warm new flooring, cohesive colours, beautiful window furnishings, a strategic budget makeover in the family bathroom and a full luxury transformation in the master ensuite.
The kitchen in Nowra Hill got a basic update with paint and new flooring.
A refreshed kitchen in Nowra Hill, Selling Houses
The kitchen already had great volume and gorgeous views; it just needed warmth and unity. I used Taubmans Breaker Beige and Crisp White to harmonise the cabinetry with the newly installed Aspecta XL Plank LVP in Spotted Gum from Flooring Xtra, which now runs seamlessly throughout downstairs.This created a calm, cohesive country palette that allows the landscape to do the talking.
“This renovation wasn’t about spending big, it was about removing every buyer hurdle so the magic of the home could finally take centre stage”~ Interior designer Wendy Moore, Selling Houses Australia
Previously, the front living room had cold terracotta tiles and heavy, dark furnishings.
Nowra Hill’s multiple living rooms, including a snug
The first living space became a dedicated winter snug - my favourite sort of room. It already had a charming dado rail, so I added simple panelling beneath it for instant character. Over those chilly original tiles, I installed plush carpet from Flooring Xtra, creating warmth on a budget.
Soft S‑Fold sheers, blockouts and honeycomb blinds from Veneta Blinds brought in gentle filtered light, while lighting from Beacon Lighting - including the Louisville DC Fan, Alfred pendant, Vaille 3‑light pendant, and Bronx flush mount –gave the home a cohesive, country‑warm glow.
The larger living/dining zone also benefited from the new Spotted Gum LVP, visually expanding the area and drawing the eye straight out to that magnificent view.
A family bathroom budget refresh
The family bathroom didn’t need a full gut; it needed smart spending. We laid new flooring directly over the old tiles and professionally resprayed the wall tiles crisp white, including the bath, to avoid that awkward “new meets old” mismatch.
A fresh vanity, a long 1800mm shaving cabinet, and Caroma Liano II brushed‑nickel tapware from The Blue Space gave it modern functionality without blowing the budget. Lighting from Beacon Lighting finished the look beautifully.
This space was an empty master ensuite stripped to a bare shell, now completely transformed.
A fully transformed master ensuite
Now this was my showpiece. After demolition left it bare, I rebuilt it into a spa-like retreat. I chose Ascoli Travertine Crosscut Bianco, Masia Olive Gloss, and Stage Forest Matt tiles from National Tiles for layered texture and soft earthiness.
The hero moment? The Caroma Contura II 1700mm Freestanding Bath in Matte Clay – perfectly centred beneath the window. With matching Caroma Liano II mixers, showers and accessories from The Blue Space, and simple barn doors to replace the old concertinas, the room became a sanctuary that absolutely sells a home.
Before, this was a large bedroom with dated carpet and minimal styling.
The bedrooms refreshed in Nowra Hill, Selling Houses
Warm Taubmans Breaker Beige and soft Crisp White created a cosy retreat in the master suite, complemented by elegant Veneta Blinds sheers. With coordinated styling - king bed, side tables, lamps and a simple console - the room flows effortlessly into that gorgeous new ensuite.
There was no renovation required in the other rooms, just decluttering, refreshing and thoughtful styling. Sometimes restraint is the smartest design decision.
It’s hard to believe that this was once an overgrown pool area with bulky dated pergola.
Heading outside in Nowra Hill
Dennis deserves an award for the sheer volume of work outside. He pressure‑washed the pavers, oiled the deck and trimmed back the ‘80s foliage to reveal the breathtaking ridge‑line views.
The pool area, previously overwhelmed by a bulky structure, now features a sleek new pergola with automated louvres – a total lifestyle upgrade. Contemporary plantings, a large outdoor lounge and sunloungers completed the resort feel.
This transformation wasn’t about money; it was about clarity, simplicity and letting the incredible landscape finally shine.
The newly refreshed entrance at Nowra Hill on Selling Houses Australia.
The sales history of Selling Houses Nowra Hill
Before the makeover, buyers were overwhelmed by the scale and work required, and the agent suggested pricing around $1.299m. After the transformation? She confidently aimed above $1.5m, and achieved $1.55m.A perfect example of how strategic updates convert “project property” into “premium lifestyle home.”
The homeowners Robin and Bob with Dennis Scott and Wendy Moore.
Who pays for the renovations on Selling Houses Australia?
We work within a set budget each episode - supported by our suppliers and hardworking tradies – to deliver maximum impact for the homeowners. For Nowra Hill, the homeowners’ project budget was $90,000, and we stretched it across every meaningful part of the home.
