St Heliers: New life

A stunning example of how exceptional talent can transform a 1970s home with signature arches, this outstanding house in St Heliers is testament to visionary design. By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

Built in 1969, this large family home - in sought-after Glen Atkinson St - has been transformed to create a stylised habitat worthy of discerning design aficionados.

The talented work of Dinah Malyon of DMI Homestagers, who bought the home 15 months ago, is immediately evident.

An immaculate white pebbled driveway leads to the bagged plaster house. The rich latte colour, chosen by Malyon to maximise the warm and inviting appeal of the home, complements the striking joinery, which flows throughout the dwelling.

Malyon's first impression of the home was that it had a good feeling and was elevated and amazing. However, it was littered with turned wood and arches that had to go. And they did. A day after moving to the home, Malyon started demolishing and began the journey of creating her visionary masterpiece.

In the kitchen, the lino, pottery tiles, walls and some joinery were removed and replaced with a modish environment fit for all levels of entertaining.

A warm coffee-coloured, concrete-style compound lines the floor creating the perfect platform for the strong concrete benchtops edged with chunky metal. Underfloor heating soothes the sole and permits culinary perfection, aided by quality appliances and pull-out fitted cabinetry designed to satisfy leading chefs.

A new pitched ceiling and closed-in wall provided the perfect canvas for artist David Matulovich to create a feature wall intricately detailed with metal studs depicting a remarkable design.

The dining-living area is sumptuously finished and possible due to the removal of a mezzanine area and stairs. A double-sided fireplace structure has had a complete facelift with the red brick being plastered and enhanced with built-in cabinetry housing entertainment equipment. Blonded floorboards flood the living area and a sheen-textured feature wall, painted by Lee Alchin from Paint FX, is a dramatic backdrop for displaying rich and lavish furnishings.

Sea views are enhanced from the newly added balconies, which casually step out from the living area. Continuing the strong natural and slightly industrial theme, the bulky balustrades add optical interest from the valley below.

Stepping up to the master bedroom, the remodelled space with a closed-in ceiling hiding the beams is a subtle retreat complete with en suite, decks and a separate toilet. Exceptional detailing, experienced throughout the home, is not forgotten, with the custom-made Corian basins, chunky edged concrete vanity tops, striking grey horizontal tiles beautifully offset by smaller white pieces and the generous shower featuring exterior windows positioned for delicate ventilation and hinting at the lush environment just beyond their reach.

Down from the entry level, the landing flanked by a bank of windows leads to the laundry and internal entrance to the double garage. Malyon says the planting of a large yucca outside the windows will further beautify the mature garden beyond.

The second level, complete with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a versatile office area, is plush with a sisal carpet sweeping throughout.

Mirrored at either end, two of the bedrooms have had decks added, with one room being increased in size and stylised with a metallic grey feature wall. An original pink store-room has re-emerged as a lined office-cum-wine cellar.

Painted beams in the bedrooms add texture, while the bathrooms - one complete with an egg bath and the other with a large walk-in shower occupying the full length of the room - only add to the exquisite features throughout.

A home theatre, accessed through a cavity slider, is fully wired for entertaining pleasure, and the room's remoteness adds to its cosy ambience.

Down a small flight of stairs is the second living area. Formerly a ballroom, this space is extremely versatile. The footings of the house are skilfully used for seating and can be used as two single beds, while the room's overall atmosphere is peaceful and serene. Opening to a terrace that leads down to the lower deck and pool area, it allows a more intimate level of entertaining.

The lower level, which can be internally accessed, has been described as the area of the house hardest to overcome.

Says Malyon: "I thought how am I going to do it - to overcome this awful area. It was full of gardens and it had a watering system. There were chain ropes and it was bright blue."

Replacing this eyesore is a superb 10m gas-heated lap pool casually surrounded by chic detailings fashioning an enclosed oasis complemented by a stunning wall painted by artist Greer Faris, which features a variety of blue hues forming circles that reflect the rippling water in the pool.

The room opens to a large deck. Always concerned with achieving the desired affect, Malyon cantilevered materials over the top of the house by a crane in order to obtain the perfect outdoor setting.

Reflecting on this tremendous transformation, Malyon says the experience was incredibly rewarding but adds that it helps that the bones were generally there.

This aside, it is hard to contemplate the incomparable revamp of this home that has been finished to a standard that only Malyon would achieve.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 15A Glen Atkinson St, St Heliers.

FEATURES: Completely refurbished three-level home; top level has sleek kitchen opening to terrace with outdoor fireplace, formal dining room with fireplace, lounge opening to deck, master suite with en suite and guest bathroom; second level has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, study, home cinema, storage room/wine cellar and a ballroom/games area opening to terrace; lower level features heated indoor pool and space for a gym, both opening to timber decks; other features include polished floors, air conditioning, underfloor heating; central vacuum; security system; internal-access double garage.

SIZE: Land area approx 1315sq m; floor area approx 298sq m.

PRICE: $2,480,000.

AGENTS: David Rainbow and Joneen Smith, Bayleys, Newmarket. Ph 520 8888 bus; David 021 923 364 mob; Joneen 021 464 557 mob.