THE MORE THE MERRIER

Christmas is all about connection for the family in this extensively renovated home

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It was the nightmare before Christmas and all through the shell of a house were two keen renovators trying to make their new home liveable.

Husband and wife duo, Michael and Carlene Duffy, had purchased a dilapidated, fire-ravaged home in an idyllic location, and, although they couldn't host Christmas in their new abode yet, they dreamt of the day they could.

Upon arriving on the street, a mere 10 minutes' drive from the beach, it was a case of love at first sight. "It was such a beautiful, leafy area and it was very quiet," says Carlene. "Just the sort of thing I crave."

Reality quickly came crashing down when she saw the house, or what was left of it, but it was brimming with potential the couple could not overlook.