Herne Bay: Magnificent

From humble beginnings, this bungalow has been remodelled to treat everyone to generous, inspiring spaces. By VICKI HOLDER.

With a young toddler in tow and another child on the way, the pressure was on for a busy working couple to find a home close to their work in Herne Bay. A small, original 1920s bungalow in a nearby waterside street with stunning harbour views had many things going for it. But it was long in need of an overhaul to provide easy, comfortable modern living and loads more room.

The couple were fortunate they could live elsewhere while they embarked on a major rebuild that went down through the floorboards and popped up through the roof to capture the full splendour of the view.

Working to a loose plan by their architect friend Tony Trubovich, they gradually moved through altering spaces as they went. It was Tony who advised them to build underneath the house to add a double garage and storage without sacrificing garden space or compromising the good outdoor flow of the living areas.

This downstairs area was completed in two stages. The couple realised after the first stage there was a lot more space behind that could be fully utilised as a separate children's play area, away from the main living areas. In this way, Lego and other toys can be left out without the need to tidy them away when visitors arrive. A children's haven, this downstairs rumpus features a gas bayonet and carpet for warmth. The soft flooring surface also travels about half a metre up the walls to save young toddlers from knocking themselves.

Although the property is in a quiet, safe street, it was essential to provide good security and safety measures for their young boys. Everything has been designed with children in mind, while providing parents with spaces of their own.

The house hides discreetly behind a gated wall. Even the opening device on the gate was set at a height the children couldn't reach. A level lawn in front has room for the larger-size trampoline and a long grassy area to kick a ball.

Gaining all-day sun, the family living area with gas central heating spills north out through bifold doors to a generous sheltered terrace. Parents can enjoy a drink and soak up the sun and views, while keeping a watchful eye on the children playing.

To the rear of the family living space, a striking deep purple-coloured kitchen was designed by the owners. They say it works really well. Everything revolves around a central storage unit with a beautiful smooth finish on the blackwood benchtop. It has a view of the Waitakere Ranges and gives a great vantage point from which to see the children playing.

Wide kauri floors extend across the living areas. However, a separate lounge on the other side of the entry hall is carpeted in a strong green to match the walls. This safe haven has been claimed as a masculine retreat - somewhere for Dad to escape with his mates to watch sport on television.

Three bold green children's bedrooms are set to the rear of the family bathroom, separate laundry and generous storage areas, and close to a rear deck capturing the late afternoon sun. A heated cupboard at the entry to these utility spaces ensures the linen is always fresh and dry.

Two of the children's bedrooms open through french doors to the garden. Upstairs, the large master bedroom suite sits alone. It peers peacefully across a balcony to a vast watery panorama. At the end of the day, the parents love to sit and chat in this quiet outdoor spot. If visitors arrive at the gate below, an audio phone lets the owners slip the gate open without having to rush downstairs. Storage is ample, for there's a double wardrobe, and extra space under the eaves is fully utilised. And to avoid having to wait turns, the en suite features dual handbasins in a long timber veneer vanity.

Children were uppermost in the minds of the parents who reworked this home. But its sophisticated design and magnificent seaside location close to the city makes it an easy living environment for a variety of families.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 12 Upton St, Herne Bay.

FEATURES: Rebuilt, refurbished bungalow in seaside street with harbour views; level garden; generous outdoor living and casual living area; formal lounge; four bedrooms, including master bedroom on second level; two bathrooms, including master en suite; children's playroom downstairs adjoining workshop and double garage with remote door; central gas heating; good water pressure for two showers; fully fenced with electronic gate.

SIZE: Land area 1/2 share of 1125sq m.

AGENTS: Wayne Bulog and Selwyn Houry, Unlimited Potential, Herne Bay. Ph 361 6658 bus; Wayne 0274 723 557 mob; Selwyn 021 535 635 mob.