Pat Goodchild remembers the auction that allowed him and wife Hilde to buy into exclusive Coalcliff as a bit of a nailbiter.
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"We had one determined woman wanting to buy the place but she was consulting with her husband over a mobile phone which slowed her up and allowed us the final bid," says Goodchild, a retired builder.
That was 2003 and the Goodchilds could not believe their luck when the best they were hoping for their sea change was a house in Thirroul.
But as much as the pair love their spot overlooking the ocean in Paterson Road, the only residential street off the main road, life there has had its ups and downs.
In 2003 Lawrence Hargrave Drive between Coalcliff and Clifton was cut to allow for the construction of the Sea Cliff Bridge, forcing residents on the northern side to travel an extra 40 minutes for a round trip Wollongong via the freeway.
Some, like the Goodchilds chose to shop closer by travelling to Helensburgh or Engadine.
"We didn't really mind and we still often do our shopping up north."
Then after the bridge was completed in 2005 came the hoards of day trippers keen to see the new $52 million bridge and stay for the beaches and cafes.
Paterson Road is where the tourist buses often park when they can't get a spot in Surfclub Road.
"It irritates some people but the weekend crowds don't worry us too much because they have to park somewhere to see the bridge," Goodchild says.
"In fact, I always put the car in the garage and free up a parking spot on the road . . . it's not fair to think you can live in a place this beautiful and not share it," he adds. The Goodchilds, who have a farm at Picton, discovered the South Coast during trips to sporting events for their two sons.
"We always thought we'd retire to the farm but once we saw what was down here we changed our minds," Goodchild says.
"Hilde would never move now because she thinks it's heaven."
They are both active in the Coalcliff Community Association of which Goodchild is president.
"We don't have a lot of issues here but we would like safer access into and out of our street at the southern end," Goodchild says.
