Inside a renovated resort-like home in Jan Juc fit for the whole family

• Who lives here: Susie Meagher and Richard Muntz, their three daughters and their grandmother, Peggy
• Address: 18 Broadbeach Road, Jan Juc, Victoria
• Type of property: Renovated resort-like sanctuary
• Price guide: $7.9 million-$8.3 million

Once nicknamed Wheelie Hill, this scenic setting was the go-to spot for locals indulging in post-pub “circle work”, thanks to its panoramic views from Torquay to Point Lonsdale.

Today, it now hosts a sprawling residence, the loved home of a family of six: Susie Meagher and Richard Muntz, their three daughters and their grandmother, Peggy.

The property is enveloped by hundreds of Ironbark trees planted by a wheelie-partaking local who later bought Wheelie Hill for his own.

This majestic home emerged later and was retained by its original owners for 30 years.

Then came the Meagher-Muntz family, who, upon returning to Australian shores from Berlin in 2017, began searching for a haven that would cater to their soon-to-be teenage daughters and intergenerational living needs.

This dream brought them to Jan Juc, an idyllic coastal town on the legendary Great Ocean Road.

They found their match in this coastal compound nestled on one of the area’s rare north-facing blocks, drawn to its coveted combination of shelter, sunshine and sights.

The sweeping home’s various living areas, numerous outbuildings and vast green expanses provided a canvas for the family’s vision.

“Our six-year journey saw this property transform in bursts, with the main house undergoing a significant overhaul,” Meagher says.

“Our luminous kitchen is a prime example – a product of the craftsmanship of Sam Beel Constructions and Curious Constructions.”

Nowadays, the property goes by a different nickname, often referred to by family friends as “the resort”. Delve deeper into this multigenerational marvel, and the reason behind the name becomes clear.

“With the help of designer Prudence Caroline, the reimagined upstairs parent’s retreat became a sanctuary within a sanctuary with each fixture and fitting curated,” Meagher says.

“There’s also the dedicated kids’ wing, where three bedrooms have garden or ocean views, plus a gorgeous bathroom with a free-standing bathtub.”

And then there’s Peggy’s private oasis: a guest wing attached to the home yet a haven of its own, ingeniously crafted from remnants of old garages.

A detached office fashioned from a 40-foot container, a revamped front shack that functions as a popular Airbnb, and a music studio hangout room, further contribute to the property’s multifaceted appeal.

“The vast outdoor spaces saw their own evolution too, including the old BMX track that’s now a tiered native wonderland, highlighted by a stone labyrinth – a testament to Peggy’s horticultural background,” Meagher says.

“Peter Shaw’s team from Ocean Road Landscaping has left a magnificent mark amid the gardens, along with the revived pool area, with its crazy paving and new wattle-and-wire fence that adds a charming, rustic touch.”

Yet it wasn’t solely the overt splendour that won the hearts of Meagher and her family; it was also the subtle elements that set the stage for unforgettable years.

“Our wraparound timber deck has been witness to many Christmas Day luncheons, and our fire-pit has been a gathering spot for intimate conversations over sundown whiskeys and games of giant Jenga,” Meagher recalls with warmth.

Likewise, the two-level chicken coop, adjacent to the veggie garden, is another treasured spot, home to the family’s chooks and bearing its own nickname: the Hilton Coop.

“It’s a sweet reminder of a special family weekend project we all tackled,” Meagher says. “The artwork on its walls was painted by the young hands of our children.”

While the essence of this Jan Juc jewel celebrates family bonding, it’s also been a place that has fostered independent joys.

Meagher relishes the sights of the ocean and New Year’s Eve fireworks from the upper retreat’s balcony, and Muntz finds solace in its proximity to the world-famous surf breaks of Bells Beach and Jan Juc, finishing his surf sessions with a rinse under the outdoor shower of the front deck.

“Our children have also carved their memories here – from the pool reverberating with endless games of Marco Polo to the basketball court hosting friendly cousin rivalries,” Meagher says.

“And Peggy, ever so often, can be found in her propagation shed, donning her white lab coat, tending to the plants, diagnosing their issues, and then bringing them back to life.”

As they embark on a new adventure, the Meagher-Muntz family are bidding a heartfelt farewell to their beloved abode.

“While excited about our next chapter, we’ll surely miss many things about this beautiful home,” Meagher says. “Yet, we’ll bring with us many cherished moments and, naturally, a touch of nostalgia.”

$6,300,000 - $6,900,000

18 Broadbeach Road, Jan Juc VIC 3228

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