Buying a home, old or new, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches is well outside the budget for many young families. When accountant Mika spotted land for sale in Church Point, he was quick to snap it up, even though it was something of a surprise for his wife Milly, a teacher. “I bought the block of land and Milly wasn’t sure at first,” says Mika. “But with the home we have now, she definitely doesn’t want to leave.” Inspired by older classic homes in the area, the couple mixed it up with Hamptons style colours and features to create a home that has a timeless elegance and fresh coastal feel. And it’s spacious enough for their growing family. When they bought the land, the couple had a 1 year-old and were expecting their next child. So having plenty of space was an important priority too.