WHEN YOU BUY A PROPERTY designed by an Australian icon, and the icon himself pops in for a visit. This pinch-me
moment belongs to Katie and Ian Brannaghan, the owners of this sprawling compound built and designed by renowned
architect Karl Fender in 1973. “I managed to get in touch with Karl when we bought the house in 2016, and he watched
our renovations take place over Instagram,” Katie tells. “When we’d almost finished, he came out to visit. It was an absolute
honour to meet him, and I think a real trip down memory lane for Karl, who was just 23 when he designed the house.”
MAKING HISTORY During its 45 year lifespan, the sprawling six-bedroom house in Melbourne’s Mount Martha had
passed through numerous owners. It was in a very sad state, but Katie and Ian were the ideal next custodians. In search
of a weekend retreat, they saw beyond the termite damage and neglect to appreciate its masterful design, strong bones
and mid-century character, and were meticulous in their approach to its restoration. A team of dedicated tradies, led by
Katie’s builder brother Sean Whelan, replaced rotting floors, walls and roofs, revamped the pool, laid carpet and terrazzo
flooring and painted walls inside and out. “Nothing was a simple job, with challenges every step of the way,” Katie says.
NEW BEGINNINGS With the blood, sweat and tears now thankfully behind them, Katie, Ian and their two daughters are
free to enjoy the property’s many endearing features, including the striking wooden panelling that reminds them of their
childhoods, the sunlight that streams through huge windows, a pool that takes you straight to Palm Springs and lush,
landscaped gardens (still a work in progress) filled with palms, cacti and succulents. “During the week, we all live the
apartment life in St Kilda East, so on weekends, it’s the perfect seaside/country escape,” Katie explains. In fitting tribute,
the property has been renamed “The Fender House”, and can be rented through Airbnb. As for the man himself, “Karl
loved what we’d done,” Katie says. “He said he was so pleased the house had found us, which was music to our ears.” R textstephanie hope@reallivingmag