A Home Built from the Heart:
Why We Built, Loved, and Are Now Letting Go

DEVELOPHER  Melanie Wessner

LOCATION  Highett, Victoria

INTERIOR DESIGN  Melanie Wessner

PHOTOGRAPHER  Dylan James

Some homes are bought. Others are built from the heart. For Melanie, it all started with a garden—lush, inviting, and full of promise. That simple connection to nature sparked the vision for a home where indoor and outdoor living would flow seamlessly, where family life could unfold with ease, and where every detail was considered.

After a decade in their original home, countless conversations, and a fair share of design detours, Melanies family finally created the space we’d always dreamed of. And now, somewhat unexpectedly, they are ready to pass it on. We’re sharing the story behind the build, the decisions that shaped the home, and why they’re saying goodbye—not with regret, but with pride and gratitude.

Check out (or buy) the property here!

What features do you love?

We originally purchased the house because we loved the garden, so we focused on having a strong connection between the indoor living spaces and the outdoors. with this new house. We absolutely love the kitchen and open living/dining which spills out to the entertaining areas outdoors.

We collaborated with our landscaper, Mat Kurta, and the Terra Firma team to design a series of versatile outdoor spaces. The result is a true entertainer’s home, perfect for enjoying the outdoors. From the travertine-paved BBQ area to the expansive wraparound deck and lush, grassed yard, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. One of the features I really love is the fully irrigated garden system on a timer—it practically takes care of itself!

Even though we’ve made the decision to sell, we didn’t compromise on any of the finishes. We’ve continued to style and maintain the home as if we were staying. For instance, we recently installed elegant sheer curtains from DIY Blinds, which beautifully soften the interiors and enhance the sense of space – especially with the soaring three-metre ceilings.

How did you decide what to do with the original home?

It was a tough (and lengthy) decision. We explored every option and lived in the space for about 10 years before beginning the build. The original house was a 2-bedroom plus study workman’s cottage, and while it had charm, the rooms were just a bit too small, and the house wasn’t well-positioned on the block.

We did look into renovating and even had some draftspeople draw up plans, but none of them felt quite right. After getting quotes from builders, we realised it would be more cost-effective and more practical to knock down and build a home that truly suited our family’s needs.

We explored volume builders to manage costs, secure a fixed price, and speed up the process. After waiting so long, we just wanted a new home to live in. Our block posed some challenges, its irregular shape, large established trees, and a shared driveway, but we found the team at Boutique Homes up to the task. We knew people who had built with them and had great experiences, so when they confirmed the build was feasible, we were thrilled.

We initially chose a two-storey design, but our neighbour had dual occupancy approval, and we would’ve impacted their sunlight. That led us to explore single-level options, and as it turned out, our favourite design—with a few tweaks—fit perfectly. It truly felt meant to be.

Why are you selling now?

We’ve always loved visiting friends in the country, so during the build—knowing we’d need to rent for a year—we thought, why not live in the country for a while? It was only four hours away, and we figured managing the build remotely wouldn’t be too difficult.

And while there were the usual hiccups, the process was actually quite smooth, and our builder was amazing. But what we didn’t expect was how much we’d fall in love with country life. So, we’ve made the big decision to stay—and now we’re ready to pass this beautiful home on to someone else.

We unintentionally created a home with so much flexibility. The master suite is thoughtfully positioned at the front of the house, while the heart of the home—the kitchen, living, and dining area—anchors the layout. A separate kids’ wing includes three bedrooms, a retreat, and a family bathroom, making the home perfect for families, guests, or even multi-generational living.

What makes the location special?

The location truly offers the best of everything. We’re close to the beach, surrounded by fantastic restaurants and cafés, with excellent schools nearby and a park just at the end of the street. It’s a true lifestyle home.

How do you feel about selling?
People often ask if I’m sad to be selling, and I usually say no. But when I really stop and think about it—yes, there’s a small part of me that is. I never got to cook in that gorgeous kitchen, soak in the beautiful bath, host those family dinners, or watch the kids play in the garden. But knowing someone else will get to experience those special firsts brings me a lot of joy.

I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve created here. I know the next owners will make their own beautiful memories in this home—just like we did in our last one—and that’s really all I could ever hope for.

Jacqui’s journey is a testament to how styling is more than just decorating—it’s about elevating a home beyond its structural design. If you’re considering a renovation or preparing your home for sale, investing in expert styling might just be the final touch that brings your vision to life.

👉🏼 Feeling inspired by DevelopHer Melanie’s project and want to start your own, or thinking about renovating for a profit? We’d love to help you!

Book a chat with us today.