Some people are good at planning ahead and our bosses, Ellen and Nathan, are two of them.

While on the hunt for a ‘shack’ to invest in, they discovered Ingoldby Rd, McLaren Flat and were drawn to it immediately. The mid-century style of the home appealed to their not-so-mild addiction to that era. And the kids’ endless tennis activities were an additional reason to bid. Kiefer and Harley were training and playing tennis at McLaren Vale Tennis Club three to four nights there per week. A place to stay nearby? Amen to that.

So, they mingled among the masses at the first open and were further sold on the property’s natural light, compact but practical and well laid out floor plan, and the views from the kitchen/dining area. We’re talking vineyards and hills. The whole place felt good. Apart from all the other people.

Thankfully, it was meant to be. Despite more than 20 other offers, they got the house and Ingoldby Road’s transformation was soon underway.

Stage one: This involved scouting Facebook Marketplace for MCM furniture pieces and being grateful for kids once again. Take note, parents. At 15, Kiefer was already au fait with marketplace and very helpful when it came to communicating and negotiating good deals with sellers.

Until settlement in November 2022, Team Wundersitz spent about a month or more driving around in the van buying and transporting items back to the garage at home.

Stage two: The house was kept as is, but styled, ready for a new life as a listing on Airbnb. By January 2023, it was fitted out with MCM furniture making it serviceable and practical, albeit a little tired. The installation of an air conditioner and new window treatments (roller blinds and curtains in signature MCM style) helped make it listing-ready. With the assistance of a housekeeper, Ellen and Nathan learnt how to host.

Stage three: In winter 2023, the house was closed for bookings. The plan was to renovate just the wet areas – laundry, bathroom and toilet. But sometimes the best laid plans go… in better directions.

Having chosen and ordered tiles in line with the overall colour palette (to match joinery and materials) the supplier got in touch to say they weren’t available. That meant a total redo of material selections to ensure they were cohesive. Painful? Yes. But the new tile ended up being way better in terms of colour, texture and aesthetic fit.

In further lucky misfortune, the delay of a big new build job freed up some workshop space (and time) for Nathan to build and install a master bed robe replete with adjoining desk (aka fully functional art-piece, quite frankly) as well as three beds with stunning wooden bedheads.

Rounding out this stage of the reno was some new carpet, striking light fittings for the bedheads, and two-tone paint in the master bedroom – a subtle hint of the kitchen feels to come.

Stage four: The juicy bit. The stuff that Spacecraft is known for. Killer kitchens.

Remember the infamous 70s sunken lounge? This design has harnessed its hang-out properties via booth seating (for cosy eating and easy entertaining) with a direct connection to the kitchen.

It makes sense – the brief stipulated a design sympathetic to the period of the home – but the modern-day execution is, to speak 70s for a moment, radical.

Along with the retro nod was the desire for a light, bright kitchen space with warm hues. A timber pop (more an ode than a dedication). Playful curves and other points of interest. Hard wearing benchtops, cost effective doors and drawer fronts, practical space for cooking and entertaining (not a common feature back then), plus appliance station and integration.

Lastly, those views from inside to outside needed to be maximised.

Ingoldby Road’s final facelift was on its way.

For those less au fait with 70s styling than Kiefer is with Facebook Marketplace, terracotta aesthetic is a natural match for mid-century modern style. The entire palette is already a staple feature and looks great next to MCM wood furniture.

This made choosing the melamine doors, panels and fronts easy, for both the terracotta and dusty beige colour tones as well as their price point.

Natural stone was chosen for its durability but also because it linked all materials harmoniously together, from the two-tone artedomus tiles to the cabinet fronts. By taking the tiles all the way to the ceiling, Nathan accentuated the pitch of the roof, creating a sense of space.

Speaking of space, the benchtop is plentiful wrapping itself from the island along two of the kitchen walls, interrupted by sink and stovetop only. Knick-knacks can find homes on open shelving.

Cats-eye blackwood recessed handles provide a timber pop and show a level of hand carved craftmanship. Timber ribbing adorns a portion of the island and the adjacent wall.

Rigid lines across the kitchen were softened by the playful rippled pink rangehood and curved island panel. Integrating appliances was a good choice. Given the small footprint, it allowed us to showcase the kitchen instead. The appliance station sits close by.

The booth seating ticked plenty of boxes: ambience creator, view provider, space saver and flow keeper. They invite cosy conversation, maximise the view of rolling foothills and vineyards east-facing, double up as a great book shelving unit, and continue an air of curvature via their half-round upholstery backing which links to the timber ribbing and concave shape of the feature rangehood.

Is it possible to be too good at your job? This project could be a case in point. Whenever Ellen goes there, she never wants to leave.

PS You can visit Airbnb to book, in the off chance that Ellen has left… or check out IngoldbyRoad.com.au