Victorian family forced to leave dream home after health crisis

The property at 1 Ocean Street, Kilcunda, which took two years to design and build, has been the backdrop for countless family moments - Christmas lunches on the deck, whale watching from the balcony, and daily beach walks with the dog.

But Mr Smits said due to a devastating cascade of health issues starting in 2024, he can no longer maintain living at the five-bedroom property.

Mr Smits revealed he underwent surgery for two brain aneurysms, a full knee replacement, and the removal of a benign salivary gland tumour.

He developed Polymyalgia rheumatica, an inflammatory arthritic disorder requiring daily steroids, and was diagnosed with prostate cancer late last year.

"Apart from my children, it's the best thing I've ever built," Mr Smits said.

"I really don't want to leave it."

Ray White Wonthaggi agent John Budileanu said the property's emotional significance made this one of the most poignant sales of his career.

“This is the kind of property where the next owners will create their own chapter of memories,” Mr Budileanu said.

“It deserves a family who will love it as much as the Smits family has.”

Unable to work, the family must downsize.

“When you look up from peeling potatoes to see the magnificent beaches all the way to Wonthaggi, you forget your troubles," Mr Smits said.

"Ocean liners sail past on the horizon, and when it's stormy we watch the lightning over the ocean."

The reverse-living home features million-dollar uninterrupted ocean views, a chef's kitchen with walk-in pantry, master suite with open ensuite and freestanding bath, theatre room, separate rumpus, private spa courtyard, and 10-metre Merbau deck with an outdoor barbecue kitchen.