The untouched 1960s home that feels like a fever dream

Many mid-century houses have been renovated over the decades to reflect changing trends. Now, as the style enjoys a revival, they are being restored with retro furnishings and finishes that nod to the era – but often lack authenticity.

The home at 174 McKay Street in Nowra, on the NSW South Coast, isn’t one of those. Lovingly maintained and preserved since it was built in 1960, the three-bedroom house remains remarkably true to its roots.

Very little has changed over the decades, from the carpet and wallpaper to the home’s ownership.

“It’s had one owner its whole life,” says One Agency’s Liam Tebbutt. “The gentleman who lived there with his family designed the home and built it himself.

“It’s been very loved and very well kept throughout its life … it’s really not like something you’ve ever seen before.”

Stepping inside feels like entering a time capsule. The living room is defined by raked timber ceilings, vibrant green-and-brown carpet, period bamboo-themed wallpaper and a hand-carved sandstone fireplace built by the owner.

“The main living space with the sandstone feature wall and the mountain outlook has got to be my favourite,” Tebbutt says.

The kitchen rivals the living room for the most retro space in the house. Curved timber cabinetry is paired with colourful overhead cupboards, while a large window floods the space with natural light.

The red-and-white tiled bathroom retains its original feature ceiling and perspex wall, while the second lounge room-cum-study has a very 1960s-looking built-in desk.

According to Tebbutt, the owner-builder left his mark on the local area.

“There are lots of other locals whose homes were built by the same gentleman,” he says. “He built around 100 homes from the early ’60s to the early ’80s. They all really appreciated his work.”

Tebbutt describes Nowra as “a real central hub to a lot of prime locations in and around the coast”.

“Jervis Bay is half an hour away, Berry is less than 20 minutes away,” he says. “Greenwell Point, Callala Bay and Culburra Beach are within half an hour of town too.”

Tebbutt says buyers are drawn to Nowra for its affordability and potential.

“It’s a super-attainable market, and we see a lot of people selling up and down the coast and moving here,” he says.

“Our hospital just had a $440 million upgrade, and we are hoping to see a riverfront precinct in due time.”

The property has a price guide of $680,000-$700,000 and is now under offer following strong interest from owner-occupiers and investors interested in its block size.

“It’s attracted a lot of eyes because it’s quirky and unique,” Tebbutt says. “There’s been a mixed crowd, some saying that if anything were to be changed, perhaps just the carpet and a repaint. Others have come through and said they wouldn’t touch a thing.”

For those in the latter camp, the original furnishings could also be part of the package. “The owner is definitely open to it,” Tebbutt says.

SOLD - $705,000

174 McKay Street, Nowra NSW 2541

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