PROJECT NAME:
Henry St
LOCATION:
Port Elliot, 5212
DATE COMPLETED:
December 2025
BUILD DURATION:
16 months
BUILD TYPE:
Home Renovation
PARTNERS:
Lee Gray Landscape Design & Habitat Landscaping.
Some projects begin with a clear, defined brief. Others evolve gradually, shaped by trust, changing priorities and a growing sense of what is possible. Henry St, Port Elliot, is one of those projects.
Originally planned as a simple bathroom and kitchen renovation, the project expanded over time into a complete two-storey transformation. What began as a smaller-scale project gradually expanded into a contemporary coastal retreat, unfolding over 16 months and culminating in December 2025.
Owned by the clients for some time and previously operating as an Airbnb, the property took on new meaning as their plans changed. Instead of remaining short-stay accommodation, it became their own holiday home, a place that felt more personal, more resolved, and more reflective of how they wanted to spend time by the coast.
That change in thinking reshaped the entire project.
A renovation that grew with the relationship.
As with many renovations, the project continued to evolve as the vision became clearer over time. That flexibility, and the trust behind it, helped define the journey. As earlier stages were completed, the clients chose to extend the scope, eventually committing to a full-house transformation as well as extensive outdoor works. What could have become a difficult process instead became a strong example of collaboration, adaptability and mutual trust.
The constant evolution of the brief brought its own challenges. Rescheduling works, coordinating changes and accommodating ongoing decisions required patience and structure throughout the build. Yet the clients remained understanding of the flow-on effects to timing and budget, allowing the project to progress in a way that still felt intentional.
Shaped by the coast.
Set close to the ocean, the home needed to capture the ease of a coastal holiday lifestyle while responding to the practical demands of its environment. The design and construction approach had to balance atmosphere with durability, ensuring protection and performance were just as considered as the overall look and feel.
That coastal perspective shaped not only the materials and detailing, but the overall feel of the home. The finished renovation captures a relaxed, welcoming holiday character while remaining practical, the kind of home designed to be lived in and enjoyed.
Stonework, waterproofing and wider coastal protection measures are often among the quieter elements of a build, but they are also where precision and craftsmanship matter most. Here, those details were given the level of care they deserved.
“Like every other job, I believe waterproofing and coastal protection always needs the greatest level of precision and craftsmanship.”
Turning constraints into strengths.
As with many renovations, some of the most important decisions came from working within the constraints of the site. In the backyard, a septic tank and sewer encumbrance limited what could be done and required compromise in the landscape design. These limitations challenged the team to think more carefully about how the outdoor areas would function, feel and connect with the home.
This considered design response shaped a backyard that feels both inviting and purposeful, with a firepit and woodfire pizza oven adding warmth, character and everyday usability. In the front yard, practical additions such as an outdoor shower and concealed bin storage make the home feel more functional and welcoming.
Where texture meets atmosphere.
The stonework and landscaping play a defining role in the way the home feels, bringing texture, character and a sense of place that sits naturally within Port Elliot. Tiling and finishing details also exceeded expectations, while the landscaping and stonework help capture the relaxed character of a coastal holiday home. As Russell reflects, “I really love the landscaping and stonework, it has captured that holiday coastal home beautifully.”
Material selections were approached with longevity in mind, drawing on trusted suppliers while still giving the clients the freedom to shape a home that felt distinctly theirs.
That balance between guidance and flexibility helped maintain quality throughout, while still allowing for a result that felt personal and considered.
“Using well known suppliers for quality and allowing the client a great level of flexibility to work with our team to create exactly what they wanted.”
A more comfortable, efficient home.
While much of the transformation is expressed through the finishes and overall atmosphere of the home, just as important are the decisions made behind the scenes. Improved internal insulation and the introduction of double-glazed windows and doors have enhanced the home’s efficiency, helping regulate comfort while remaining true to the relaxed coastal design intent.
These subtle passive design measures play an important role in how the home is experienced each day, creating a space that not only looks inviting, but also feels more comfortable to live in.
A home defined by trust and craftsmanship.
Now complete, Henry St reflects what is possible when a project is given the patience to evolve, when clients believe in the process, and when a team is trusted to navigate each stage with care. What began as a smaller renovation gradually grew into one of Kleinig’s largest projects to date, shaped by strong collaboration, flexibility and trust from the outset.
As Russell Kleinig reflects, “It has taught me lots. This was a much more flexible job than your standard home, so things constantly changing and working with the client regularly has really helped us as a team to keep things organised.”
The result is a beautifully reimagined holiday home that sits naturally within its coastal setting and speaks as much to the strength of the working relationship as it does to the finished build itself.
