In 2010, comedian Dave Hughes experienced a surprising turn of events when he “accidentally” won a 1930s Spanish mission-style house in St Kilda, Melbourne, during an auction. Initially thinking the bidding would escalate far beyond his reach, Hughes was taken aback when the gavel fell in his favour. He had only participated for fun, not expecting to end up as the new owner of a property he found dark and uninviting.
Upon revealing the news to his wife, Holly Ife, Hughes faced her annoyance, but her disappointment was short-lived as she grew fond of the beautiful neighbourhood, which featured a tranquil atmosphere complemented by lush plane trees. The house’s proximity to the beach and nearby Acland Street ultimately proved advantageous for the family.
Despite his initial reluctance to renovate due to his lack of handyman skills and sensible fear of overwhelming decisions, Hughes and Ife engaged the help of a childhood friend, architect Aimee Goodwin. Together, they transformed the property into a light-filled, open-plan home connected to nature through a central courtyard and large windows, creating a serene living environment.
Now, their five-bedroom family home suits their evolving lifestyle as their children—Rafferty, 15, Sadie, 13, and Tess, 12—mature. The design, which prioritises natural light and connectivity to outdoor spaces, has become a beloved retreat for Hughes, allowing him to enjoy the sounds of nature and sunshine streaming in throughout the day.
Hughes describes his favourite spot in the house as the balcony off the main bedroom, a private escape amid treetops where he can relish peaceful moments. Home is made special by personal touches, such as a portrait painted by fellow comedian Anh Do, which Hughes finds both amusing and slightly embarrassing.
With a deep appreciation for the diversity of St Kilda, Hughes often strolls the beach and indulges in personal interests like cold-water therapy and shooting hoops in the backyard. He embraces the vibrant community and chuckles at his past attempts to relocate the family to Sydney, which ultimately proved futile as they were firmly rooted in their St Kilda home.
In a playful segment, Hughes answers five questions about his home life, revealing quirky insights about his belongings, from his treasured iPad to his fondness for the family balcony. With his new show, “WTF,” set to entertain audiences at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and beyond, Hughes reflects on the serendipitous nature of how a house—much like laughter—can choose its owner, shaping their story in unexpected ways.