Our Place: Bernie and Alison Rowe

Bernie and Alison Rowe head the family business, Rowesdale Developments. Their dream home sits on the top of the development, with stunning Mount views. A luxurious French-inspired mansion, it's a hub for their close-knit family. We chat to Alison.

The land was originally farmed and has been in Bernie's family for 100 years. We began the Rowesdale development 16 years ago. At one point we lived in one of the original farmhouses on Ohauiti Road. Three years ago we chose this spot of land for its sweeping views. I love the fact Bernie has lived on this land all his life - he is 79 on Monday and we have been married 47 years.

We have seven children and 12 grandchildren. I had been planning the house design for years, cutting out ideas and sticking them on paper. I love design, especially choosing art and furniture. My desire was for a warm family home that welcomes people.

We had the pleasure of working with Dave Harwood, who took on the challenge of building our lovely home. We built a huge living area which incorporated our lounge, dining area and a passageway to our large outdoor living area. We use this area a lot for family gatherings and entertaining. I love the flow outside to the Mount views.

When the young grandchildren are here, one just has to raise the white flag, as they love running around. In summer we pull back the large French doors, which gives this enormous opening to the outdoor living, so everyone can flit in and out.

Inside it's a contemporary feel with a French twist. The ceilings are 3m stud. The plasterers designed the ceiling cornices, but I asked them to attach them upside down. I had to sign a form to do so. On completion, all admitted they looked stunning.

I had the French Louis chairs upholstered. The coffee table is French oak and the mirror is French antique, which I found in New Zealand. The Tim Wilson landscape is the focal point of the room - I had a rotating light inserted which focuses on the painting. When the lights are on, it brings the painting alive. You can see the mist rising from the lake. It is magic.

When I go on my travels, I love to buy pieces for the house. The rugs are hand-made in Turkey and the silk one is from Dubai. My favourite pieces are the two tables in Italian orangewood. The long "hall" table I spotted on holiday in Sorrento in Southern Italy. The design has wood inlays, and looks fantastic. It cost me an arm and a leg to ship it back here, but I simply had to have it. Then, amazingly, back home, I found this backgammon games table in the same wood. I bought it from a dear old lady who insisted on giving me her hand-embroidered cover to protect it, but I have it uncovered to enjoy the beautiful wood. I love the reflection the sun makes in the different woods in the rooms. The flowers add a peaceful feeling to the room. At the moment I have lilies and orchids. I will change them soon for spring.