From Brooklyn apartment to '80s brick home: What this young family learned in the home buying process

Even after years spent in the world’s most vibrant cities, the pull of familiar shores never truly fades. For Sarah Ponthieu, who grew up on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, that tug became impossible to resist as she navigated life during the pandemic with her newborn daughter, Margot, half a world away from family.

Living with her husband, Nick Granger, their cosy one-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn – loved as it was with its classic New York touches like exposed brick walls – began to feel too small for the future they envisioned.

All signs pointed in one direction: home.

For almost 20 years, Ponthieu and Granger lived between New York, London, and Melbourne, immersed in the energy and pace of each metropolis. But when an unexpected job offer for Granger brought them back to the Sunshine Coast – where Ponthieu’s family remained, and Granger’s parents had retired – it felt like the universe had quietly made the decision for them.

“Even though it made sense when we first decided to move back, I wasn’t sure if I could ever really feel at home here again,” Ponthieu says. “It felt like our lives were completely upended, and I couldn’t figure out how to reconcile nearly two decades of city life with the slower rhythm of the coast.”

Despite the uncertainty, the couple knew one thing for sure: they weren’t looking for just any house. It had to have character. Quite literally, “bonus points for arches” was on their list.

“The classic brick homes, a hallmark of the coast in the ’70s and ’80s, is what we were drawn to,” Ponthieu says. “We were willing to sacrifice extra bedrooms and bathrooms that came with newer homes for this older style, which felt rich in character.”

Earlier this year, the couple found their place: a quintessential ’80s brick home with three bedrooms – one for them, one for Margot, and an office for Ponthieu, who works remotely. When guests come to stay, a plush, oversized couch serves as a guest bed.

“The previous owners had renovated the kitchen and bathroom and added a covered outdoor space, but the rest is still in its original, ‘bricktastic’ glory,” Ponthieu says. “And I’m pleased to report that it’s full of gorgeous arches. I still smile every time I pull into our driveway and see the arch over the entryway.”

Perhaps it’s the years spent in compact one or two-bedroom apartments, but for the couple, it was never about seeking more space for the sake of it. Instead, it was about discovering the right space for their family – a house with a story to tell.

“There’s something about our home’s arches, slightly wonky door frames, the imperfect internal bricks that make it feel warm and lived-in,” says Ponthieu. “The day we moved in, it felt like home immediately. Six months later, I still can’t quite believe we get to call this ours.”

Beyond the warmth and charm of their home, it’s the little conveniences and thoughtful details that have transformed their family life.

“The generous outdoor space the previous owners added has been such a gift, as we can eat and play outside whatever the weather,” Ponthieu says. “And after two decades of living in apartments, most of which didn’t have laundry facilities, I am enamoured with having a proper laundry. Closing the door on a pile of washing is strangely satisfying.”

Of course, space wasn’t the only shift in their lives: the pace was a world apart from the streets of Brooklyn. There’s much they miss about their former borough, but something about the coast speaks a quieter magic.

“We’ve traded weeknight concerts and dinners out for playdates and family gatherings, but the trade-off has been wonderful,” says Ponthieu. “The beach is three minutes away, so we’re there every weekend, and Nick gets a morning surf a few times a week. Life here is simpler but in the best way.”

For anyone going through a big life transition while house hunting, as Ponthieu and Granger did, they offer some heartfelt advice.

“Don’t get too caught up in how many bedrooms or bathrooms a place has,” Ponthieu says. “Think about the size of the rooms, the outdoor spaces, and the proximity to parks or public spaces. Those things shape the way you live in a home far more than an extra bedroom could.”

Another key tip they share is to trust your instincts. After each house viewing, the couple would sit in the car and do a “vibe check”, deciding whether the house felt right for them, regardless of how well it ticked the boxes.

“In choosing a home that reflects who we are – with all its quirks, arches, and history – we found a place that not only meets our needs as a family but gives us a deep sense of belonging,” Ponthieu says. “This house has become more than just a space; it’s our anchor as we navigate this new chapter of our lives.”

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