KEY POINTS:
Jo and Tony Gowans had big plans to renovate their seaside 1960s bungalow - until they discovered its piles had sunk and its joists had borer. The couple bought the South Brighton home in Christchurch six years ago and lived in it for two years while planning a
major makeover.
"At first we thought we'd just bring it up-to-date a wee bit by redoing the inside," says Tony. "But once we got into getting plans and prices, we realised we might as well build a new house." So they decided to demolish the bungalow and replace it with a single-storey contemporary home. But the time spent in the original home wasn't wasted. It gave the couple a good idea of what they wanted from their new home on the site. "It always had a great feel to it - living here just felt like we were in the right place at the right time," says Jo.
Although the decision to demolish the existing home was straightforward, the reality was less easy to achieve. Using a bulldozer would have lowered the dune that gave the original house its presence and its sea views, so the couple had no choice but to pull it down by hand. In its place, they asked the architect to design a stylish beach house with more space for their girls - Olivia, then aged 6, and Sophie, 4. "We asked for a simple-looking home that would be easy for us, as a family, to live in," says Jo.
The home was designed to maximise the height afforded by the dunes and the view out to sea. The outdoor entertaining spaces at the rear and on the side of the house are sheltered from onshore winds. Inside, the house is given an airy, beachy feel with high ceilings, lots of glass optimising the views and light, and a colour palette influenced by sand and sea. The focal point of the home is the main kitchen and dining area, with the bedroom wing off to one side and the living spaces on the other.
The original home's rimu floorboards have been recycled and provide warmth and character in the main family area. The modern kitchen features white satin-finish cabinetry, a stainless steel kitchen bench and rangehood, and a graphite glass splashback. This easy-clean design, partnered with an internal vacuum system and small simply furnished bedrooms, means less time on housework and more time at the beach. Apart from some Rebecca Herring paintings, Jo's own art, driftwood wall
hangings and a few pieces of Kiwiana, the couple have kept the decor simple so the views can make the biggest statement. "We used to have so much clutter in our old villa, but we didn't want this place to get cluttered up," explains Tony. He's hard-pressed to name his favourite part of the house. "I like the outdoor couches on our deck. They are a great spot to have a beer and unwind." And when it comes down to it, it's all about location, location, location. "The best thing about living here is that you're right on the edge of the city, but there's nothing in front of you except the beach," says Tony. "You look out and instead of seeing other houses there's the dunes, the beach and ships out at sea."
Practical pointers
Second time round: Recycling makes economic and environmental sense. When the Gowans demolished their original home, they sold off the untreated rimu framing and reused the original flooring in the kitchen.
Picking priorities: The Gowans would rather spend their money on holidays than new furniture so they sourced second-hand and discounted furniture from hotel revamps or furniture leasing firms.
The name game: It's fun to give your home a name. The Gowans call their new place Moana Maru, which means Sea Shelter.
* Leanne Moore is the editor of Your Home & Garden. For more achievable home ideas see the latest issue, on sale now.