St Marys Bay: Top-to-toe renovation

This 1880s home has had the works when it comes to being brought up to date. VICKI HOLDER checks out its long list of mod cons and fine features.

Engulfing the sun and huge harbour views, a renovated villa in St Marys Bay has adopted the latest season's tailored good looks in a top-to-toe makeover.

Originally built in the 1880s, the old home first came in for serious alterations when architect Andrew Patterson reworked it in the mid-90s. The owners bought it after it had been totally gutted and "completely rebuilt, replumbed, rewired, re-everything". It was then that the downstairs living area was opened up through tall glass bifolds peeling back to a vast, covered deck looking across the garden to the view.

The kitchen to the rear was also opened up through glass doors to the rear veranda and a sheltered, paved, outdoor entertaining courtyard with a fireplace.

The openness of the living area combined with the style of the balustrade, pillars and newel posts gave the villa a relaxed, Caribbean flavour. Although the style held enduring appeal, the coloured interiors - a hallmark of the time - began to look dated.

To create a more contemporary look, the owners approached Andi Wheeler of Spaces Design Studio. They could have merely redecorated with paint, but this makeover is more than a superficial touch-up. Not only did Andi dress up the entire home inside and out with a striking new paint palette, she totally redesigned the kitchen and master suite upstairs. Both were rebuilt to incorporate the latest ideas and technology to make the home as up to date and comfortable as possible.

With two entrances, the property incorporates a single garage on one side and a double on the other below the lawn and garden. There's a sense of leaving the city behind and coming into a peaceful, private haven as guests open the gate at the top. The path swings through a grove of mature nikau palms and winds down past a third bedroom, or office, adjoining the garage with a bathroom opposite.

A courtyard is partially enclosed with star jasmine climbing over taut wires suspended between wrought-iron fencing. Hidden speakers let the owners enjoy their favourite sounds while entertaining in the sun.

Kauri floorboards in the entry were stained mahogany to contrast with the hint of grey on the walls, a warm colour scheme that's continued in the downstairs bathroom and living area. Also stained dark, the kauri fireplace (with a gas fire) at one end of the living area makes a focal point. Surrounded by a bank of recessed bookshelves, it has the lure of a library.

The new kitchen features an enormous island bench/breakfast bar perched in the middle of the room. It took 11 men to move the large, chocolate brown slab of granite onto the cabinetry. Roll-out storage is integrated in the cupboards below, which are disguised with hand-finished battened panels for a traditional effect. The cabinetry around the walls is also packed with surprises, including a full laundry with a place for dirty clothes and a drying cupboard.

Electronically controlled aluminium louvres provide shade for the skylight above, and untidy telephone wires and mobile chargers are hidden inside a cupboard.

The home is designed for a small family, with a second bedroom and a large family bathroom off the entry downstairs. Upstairs, the master suite is a luxurious, modern, air-conditioned sanctuary that basks in the dazzling harbour views across a balcony.

Tucked behind a partition wall against the bed, a walk-through dressing room offers great storage in the built-in drawers, open shelving and racks. A handy ironing board drops down from the wall. Behind the dressing room, the large en suite features tongue-and-groove-style cabinetry on the vanity and scumbled floor tiles. A small, square halogen light set low beside the toilet avoids the harsh glare when the main light is switched on at night.

Fast-forwarded into a new age, this pretty villa in a quiet harbourside cul-de-sac offers elegant living in a beautifully polished package.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 2 Waitemata St, St Marys Bay.

FEATURES: Rebuilt 1880s villa with architectural makeover by Andrew Patterson in mid-90s and latest (just-completed) by Andi Wheeler; large open-plan living unfolds to deck; new kitchen with Gaggenau hob, Gaggenau fridge-freezer with icemaker, Miele oven and microwave, bar fridge and Asko dishwasher; three bedrooms; three bathrooms, including master en suite; ducted air conditioning downstairs (zoned upstairs); central heating; single and double garaging with dual street entries; outdoor fireplace; central vac system; burglar alarm; fully fenced.

SIZE: Land area 594sq m.

TENDER CLOSES: 5pm, May 21.

AGENT: Wayne Bulog, Unlimited Potential, Herne Bay. Ph 361 6658 bus; 0274 723 557 mob.