Kel and Nat, both 28, have always wanted to have a home together in the East. Kel has been living in the East all her life, while Nat, having previously lived there with his family for a while, really loved the sea breeze and vibe of the East Coast.
So when an HDB BTO project named Bedok South Horizon was launched in the area five years ago, they applied for it without hesitation. This was even when they had just started working.
“It was quite a straightforward decision. We saw the development coming up and decided to participate in the ballot,” Kel shares with us.
“I guess we were really lucky in the sense that we got the exact unit we envisioned.”
BTO flat with a sea view
Homes along the East Coast are mostly private. While there’s a sizable number of resale HDB flats there , most of them were built in the 1970s and 1980s.
Hence the appeal of the Bedok South Horizon BTO, which is located around 1km from East Coast Park. On top of that, the upcoming Bedok South MRT on the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) will be right next to it. The development also makes for a perfect home for foodies, with Katong just a 10-minute drive away.
So it’s not surprising to find that the November 2016 BTO project was oversubscribed within just a day of the launch. It’s currently the only BTO in the area.
For Kel and Nat, one of the main draws of the project was the sea view. And luckily for them, they got what they wanted. Not only did they manage to get a queue number, but they also secured a four-room flat with a sea view. The 93 sqm flat cost them S$464,000.
“We love that our entire unit faces the sea. It is also very quiet and airy.”
The living room comes with a view of the sea. PHOTO: Kel
Here’s a better look of the sea view that Kel and Nat enjoy from their four-room BTO flat. PHOTO: Kel
But the sea view wasn’t the only thing that attracted them to the Bedok South Horizon project. The neighbourhood was a major aspect of their decision to take part in the ballot and set up a home there as well. The development ticked all the right boxes for them.
“We wanted to stay in a quiet, serene area, away from the hustle and bustle of the world,” Kel tells us.
“Even though my development is technically in the Bedok region, we are actually nearer to Tanah Merah and just off the East Coast Road.”
At the same time, the couple finds the area very convenient, with the project located near the East Coast Parkway (ECP), and the CBD just a 20-minute drive away.
From Pinterest board to sourcing all the fittings to build the perfect home
Kel’s Creative Pinterest Dive
Picture this: Kel, eyes glued to her screen, dives deep into Pinterest—just the way a bargain hunter dives into a sales aisle. She ends up with a whopping 1,000+ pins of homes and rooms, transforming her phone into a personal mood‑board that even gallery curators might envy.
- 1,000+ pins? That’s 1,000 different ways to say “yes” to a dream home.
- Every scroll fuels fresh ideas—think of it as a daily dose of design inspiration.
- With this treasure trove, even the most stubborn décor decisions become a breeze.
The bedroom comes with a sea view as well! PHOTO: Kel
On top of having a Pinterest board, she also watched lots of Youtube videos to learn tips and tricks on home decor and renovations. The planning stage culminated with a mood board for every area of the house.
Kel & Nat’s Dreamhouse Upgrade
Picture this: Kel whipping up mood boards that cover every nook of their house—just moments before the renovation kicks off.
Why Kel’s Creative Eye Matters
- Everything curated: From the bathroom tiles to the kitchen faucets, Kel handpicked each fitment. She didn’t leave any detail to chance.
- “Exact, perfect, no compromises”—that’s been Kel’s mantra when she’s on the floor, making sure her vision is crystal‑clear.
- Second opinion on standby: Even with her strong instincts, Kel welcomed the interior designer’s fresh perspective. Two heads, one perfect outcome.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
After grabbing their keys, the couple stepped into the chaos of renovation. Together with their hired interior designer, they turned good plans into great results.
- Renovation management: The designer became the go‑to guru for scheduling, budgeting, and keeping the contractors on track.
- Putting creativity and strategy side by side: While Kel steered the design, the designer handled the day‑to‑day hustle.
- “It helped to have a second opinion on some of my ideas.”—Kel credits the designer with polishing the genius, turning “maybe” into “absolutely”.
Final Thought
Kel’s passion meets Nat’s practical spirit, all guided by a seasoned designer. Result? A home where every room feels like a personal masterpiece—and hey, it even looks great on a mood board!
Kel and Nat’s open concept kitchen and dining area. PHOTO: Kel
A tip for first-time homeowners: Love the neighbourhood
One of the reasons why Kel and Nat had applied for Bedok South Horizon right away was that they love the neighbourhood. It helped that they know the area very well as well.
So when asked for any advice for prospective homeowners, Kel says, “You have to really love the neighbourhood before committing to buying a property!”
And it looks like their sea-facing BTO flat has cemented their love for waterfront living as well. Looking ahead for the next step in their home-buying journey, all Kel and Nat want is to continue living near the sea.
This article was first published in 99.co.
BTO flats (Build-to-order flats)Home BuyersHome
