Five housemates have moved back into their supported independent living house after a five-month, $250,000 renovation to refresh and modernise their ‘family’ home.
Buderim housemates Jennifer, Michael, Paulette, Tricia and Matthew say they’re more than just friends, they’re family.
Forty years ago Sunshine Coast local Jennifer moved into the new home and, 40 years on, she’s still there.
Paulette and Tricia joined her 10 years later, followed by Michael in 2002 and Matthew in 2019.
“It’s a nice place to live here and I like my big room, and I like the Star Wars posters on my wall,” Jennnifer said.
“We are a family!” Michael said.
Matthew added: “I like my bathroom and my furniture – I picked it.”
The renovation included painting the property inside and out, increasing the size of the bedrooms (one room is for staff), updating the kitchen and kitchenette, bathrooms, lounge, dining and breakout spaces.
Endeavour Foundation executive general manager for home and community Leanne Rutherford said the renovation was needed.
“Home is where the heart is and although the friendship is stronger than ever, it was time to give this family home a little freshen up,” she said.
“The first thing you notice about this home is how large it is.
“It was built in a cross formation with the bedrooms located in three of the four expansive wings – each including a bathroom and private TV room – with the main kitchen, dining and TV rooms as well as the staff quarters located in the remaining communal wing.
“This is more than a renovation, this is Jennifer, Paulette, Tricia, Michael and Matthew’s home, so we worked with them and their families to ensure the renovation was what they wanted, what they needed and what they liked.”
Want more free local news? Follow Sunshine Coast News on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, and sign up for our FREE daily news email.
The private property spans three suburban blocks in the heart of Buderim and is close to shops, general amenities, their families and disability services.
Michael’s mother and Buderim local Jennifer Cant said the improvements had enabled the housemates to relax in their own breakout zones or store more personal possessions.
“The bigger bedrooms are fantastic, they have their own furniture and it’s set up the way they want,” she said.
“Michael chose everything in there. He really enjoys his personal lounge room but everyone really loves to eat together at the dining table, so that’s really great.”
Ms Rutherford added: “This family home not only celebrates years of friendship but will now be a wonderful place to call home for another 40 years to come.”
