Actually, that's my secret - I can't even talk about you to anybody because I don't want any more people to know how wonderful you are.
Those are the words of American writer F. Scott Fitzgerald in his final novel, 1934’s Tender Is the Night.
Not ours.
We tell you exactly how wonderful the things we love are.
And we love Leisha and Greg’s place.
Inspired by that quote, and that famous piece of literature by the man who captured the flamboyance, glamour and complexities of the Jazz Age, the married couple set out to create the extraordinary when they found their own piece of the 1930s – an apartment in Glenelg South.
Set one block back from one of South Australia’s most popular beaches, what was supposed to just be an investment property, and a place to live while they renovated their family home during the Covid pandemic, became something more.
A lot more.
“We broke all the rules for an investment property and fell in love,” Leisha tells Place Journal.
Not just with the original terrazzo staircase and Art Deco railings, either.
But a feeling. An Idea. A lifestyle that precedes our time.
“We wanted to create an atmosphere of a bygone era when people still dressed up for dinner and enjoyed cocktail hour in a place of beauty,” Leisha says.
Sound like somewhere you want to be?
Of course it does.
And you can be there, with the now Airbnb – of course named Tender Is the Stay - the perfect summer escape.
Just don’t get any ideas about keeping it.
“We’ve had guests already offer to buy it from us,” Leisha laughs.
“But it would have to be an absolutely blow-your-socks-off offer for us to even consider parting with it.”
They put too much into the year-long renovation.
And, maybe somewhat unexpectedly, received more in return.
“We think of the apartment as an elegant jewel, its facets are a constant source of awe,” Leisha continues.
“There's always something new to admire or to see in a new light.
“It's hard to describe how living in something so beautiful changes you, but it does.”
For it to change them, Leisha and Greg - of Adelaide architecture and design studio Atelier Bond - had to change it.
There was nothing wrong with the two-bedroom apartment when they bought it – the partially renovated place, and its 1980s bathroom, just lacked personality.
There was nothing pulling you in.
Now, after meticulous curation, its allure is irresistible.
While the floor plan remained all but the same, with the help of Airlie Lang, Atelier Bond's interior designer, the couple revamped – and brought to life - every space and added a new kitchen and bathroom.
The only major change to the layout saw the laundry concealed inside a high-gloss emerald green lacquered cabinet that leaves a fine first impression as you enter the apartment.
So much so, one Adelaide real estate agent described it as “the best laundry cupboard he's ever seen”.
“Every element was designed with intention, from luxurious finishes to custom-built storage solutions,” Leisha explains.
“The colour palette subtly reflects the apartment's seaside location and Art Deco heritage, steering away from kitsch in favour of timeless design.
“We wanted to showcase the talent of our team and to inspire our clients to be braver in their choices, especially in colour.
“We also wanted to show a mix of designer, high-street and vintage selections can achieve a unique and special space.”
And that mix draws inspiration from everywhere.
From the dining table handcrafted by South Australian locals Agostino & Brown to the striped bedheads inspired by Egyptian Feluccas, like the one that pair sailed on down the Nile.
“The references to our travels and time as expatriates in the Middle East were a natural extension of the Art Deco elements because of the Egyptian Revival movement that happened in the 1920s,” Leisha says.
“Art Deco is something we always loved but not previously thought we’d own. We love that we’re contributing to the preservation of Adelaide’s amazing Art Deco heritage.
“We love that we were able to take the essence of the era and infuse it into a thoroughly contemporary design.”
It’s not just us who love the Art Deco transformation of this luxury beachside apartment, either, with Tender is The Stay winning best apartment at the 2024 HIA SA Awards.
“We’re incredibly proud of this project, and to have an opportunity to show off the talents of our team,” Leisha says.
“It’s a place of beauty, and where life feels less mundane. I love how it feels completely put together.
“This is the first home where we’ve worked with our interior designer and it made a huge difference and elevated the outcome to another level.
“Honestly though, our most favourite memories of living there were waking up in a sun-soaked space, wandering to the beach for a walk and a coffee and early morning swim, before relaxing in a truly beautiful space.
“Our whole time there felt magical.”
That sounds like one fine morning.
So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.
Words: Jordan Pinto
LEISHA AND GREG'S PLACE
Built: 1936
Bed: 2
Bath: 1
Builder: Crew Built
Interior Design: Atelier Bond
WHAT THEIR PLACE TAUGHT THEM
Invest in great design, not re-sale.
Great design will always attract a premium price, so don’t play it safe. If you love colour then go for it, a white kitchen and white walls and a grey-tiled bathroom is not always the best solution. (Valuations of our completed apartment already significantly exceed what we put in). It’s important to find a designer that gets you.
Small does not mean cheaper.
If you must get every trade in for the renovation – for example a tiler, electrician, plumber, painter and joiner – then the size of the project is not necessarily going to bring costs down. This is only true when it applies to a structural build – the lesser the footprint the better it is for your budget.
Step away from the ‘gram.
You invested in great design, don’t dilute it by the constant FOMO social media serves up in your feed. Trust your designer, you went to them for a reason, so be guided by their expertise.
Make your selections early.
Too often furniture and soft furnishings are an afterthought. It’s better if these are incorporated into the design from the outset. Buy them as early as possible, this allows for blow-outs in distribution times but means you won’t be tempted to cut them also from the budget either.
Mix high and low.
Invest in pieces you love, pieces that you use for years but don’t just think that because it’s expensive it’s better. Our original 1920s shell sconce from Paris is something that we absolutely adore and yet it was one of the cheapest items in the apartment and sourced from Etsy. On the flipside, investing in a custom crafted piece bespoke to your space can make a room.
Swipe to see what their place looked like before
Leisha and Greg's Art Deco renovation of their luxury beachside apartment is truly inspiring. Their thoughtful approach to preserving the original charm while incorporating modern amenities showcases their impeccable taste and respect for architectural heritage. The seamless blend of classic Art Deco elements with contemporary design creates a harmonious and inviting space that is both elegant and functional. This renovation not only enhances the beauty of their home but also serves as a testament to the timeless appeal of thoughtful design.
Descon Reno