Former Neighbours star Bonnie Anderson is selling her Mornington Peninsula home

When Bonnie Anderson and her husband Samuel Morrison bought their property on Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula in 2021, they knew the old weatherboard home could do with some TLC.

“The house was so interesting before and had some quirky charm about it that’s for sure,” Anderson said. “But we basically only kept the four walls and the rest went as we created our own coastal sanctuary.” 

The singer-songwriter has transformed the home into a modern and stylish space with oak and stone finishes, high ceilings and a very coastal aesthetic.

The property at 3 Hackworth Road, Rye is now ready for its new owner – as Anderson and her family have decided to sell-up and take on another renovation project.

“As our our family grows we want to create our home to suit our family and lifestyle. So we can’t wait to do it all again,” she says.

Before the renovation, the “quirky charm” of the home included pine cabinetry from floor to ceiling, a fire-place in the centre of the living area and a diverse – but slightly over-grown – garden.

“We really changed the whole thing,” Anderson says. “We added the downstairs area and opened the stairs right up. We just created a more free flowing space with lots of light and open living areas.

“The light that comes into our home – it’s north facing which means we never miss a sunrise or a sunset. 

“I love its oak surfaces and all the windows throughout the home. Hearing the ocean roar of a night time is also one of my favourite sounds about living there.”

“We’ve had lots of firsts in this beautiful home, we really created a homely feeling home that we love so much.”

The decision to sell has not been an easy one, but Anderson says she and her husband have eyes on another renovation project.

“We always wanted to move again after a few years and perhaps bulldoze and build again, or another renovation. It’s a fun challenge, and you learn so much while you go through it.”

Anderson and Morrison bought the home in 2021 for $1 million, and have listed the property with a price guide of $1,725,000 to $1,825,000 – significantly more than the median house price for Rye of $1,082,500, according to Proptrack data.

Selling agent Adam Vocale from Jellis Craig Rye says the renovation has added a huge amount of value to the home.

“There’s a difference in houses that have been done up for sale versus those that have been done to live in,” Mr Vocale says. “This house has been built out of them wanting to live in it.”

He says the high quality of the fittings and fixtures – which include Gaggenau appliances, double-glazed windows and hydronic heating – make the home stand out in the Rye market.

“Rye is a vast suburb with a mixture of homes – some close to the beach, some not and many are older-style,” he said. “This property will see demand from people who want a finished product as opposed to something you have to do yourself.”

“Transitional buyers” from Melbourne who have plans to move to the peninsula in the next few years are likely to be interested in the property, Mr Vocale says.

“They might eventually downsize to a little bolt-hole in the CBD, and spend 90% of their time on the peninsula.”

Anderson says she loves the area for its family-friendly feel and beach lifestyle.

“We are surrounded by the ocean and it’s been amazing how quickly Rye feels like home. The people, the area, the shops,” she says.

She can see a young family or a downsizing couple living in the home.

“It’s hard to know and imagine somebody else in your home, but I am so excited for this home to be loved just as much as we do,” she says.

“We will be sad to say goodbye, but super-excited for our next adventure and creation.”

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