St Marys Bay lazy hazy days

Inspired by the tropical Caribbean lifestyle, this home offers a relaxed retreat with a holiday resort atmosphere, as VICKI HOLDER reports.

The laid-back lifestyle of the Caribbean was the inspiration behind the transformation of this old Victorian villa, which now makes the most of the northern sun and the fabulous harbour views.

Fringed by huge fronds of lush palms, the living area of this St Marys Bay home looks out over a lacy white balustrade to the sea.

While not obliterating its colonial origins, architect Mike Brewerton adapted the home to achieve a relaxed resort feel.

Inspiration came easy, given that the owner grew up and studied in Barbados. Evocative and colourful images of his homeland line the walls as constant reminders of his effervescent lifestyle.

The rooms at the front of the house were turned into a big, lofty, living space. Keeping the air cool in summer, the blades of two metal fans revolve above the kitchen, overlooking the dining space and a sitting area grouped around a gas fire.

The original pale golden timber floors reflect the light that pours in from the north. There's just one tall frosted-glass sash window on one of the pale grey walls, while the fully glazed, bifold doors extend across the width of the broad veranda. As the wind rarely blows from the north, the bifolds remain open nearly all year round, which doubles the size and enjoyment of the living room.

Plantation shutters at both ends of the veranda control the breezes and give privacy from the neighbours. Without curtains, the front of the house is completely open to the activity on the harbour. Perched high above the road, it's impossible for passers-by to see beyond the balustrade to the interior.

There's no need for the host to feel isolated when preparing meals in the kitchen, as a deep cream terrazzo island bench is all that separates it from the rest of the room. The pale beech cabinetry blends with the tone of the timber floors, while silvery mosaics feature as a splashback behind the stainless-steel, free-standing Ilve oven with a barbecue grille.

Pale grey plantation shutters close the living area off to the bedrooms at the rear. Featuring the same palette of materials used in the kitchen, the family bathroom sports a beech and silver mosaic-tiled vanity beneath an oversize mirror. In addition, mosaics surround the bath and line the glass-fronted shower.

Although in close proximity to the neighbours, the three double bedrooms are totally private.

One has a frosted-glass sash window, while the second, which opens through french doors to a private deck, bathes in light from the windows that are arranged high up on the walls. Facing the garden, the master bedroom windows are shaded by plantation shutters, which impart a clean, tropical ambience.

The master bedroom is complemented by a walk-through dressing room that leads to an en suite, where partners can enjoy the luxury of double basins and a double shower with dual shower heads.

The earthy coloured walls in the bedrooms, the work of Jules Minkhurst of Aalto Country Colours, give a restful ambience against the charcoal carpet.

Enclosed by lush palms, the back lawn is an inviting, sheltered, outdoor living space. When guests tire of the wide views in front, they can escape to this tropical oasis, which can be lit up and enjoyed at night.

Parking is at a premium in this urban area. The property provides the additional benefit of a huge double garage underneath the house, which can accommodate a third vehicle.

The neat wine storage system in the cellar at the back of the garage is a lure for wine buffs.

Impeccably crafted to make the most of an elevated site, this stylish, tropical abode begs for owners who love the good things in life and enjoy sharing their home with friends.

Vital statistics

Address: 12 Dunedin St, St Marys Bay.

Features: Caribbean-style renovation of Victorian villa along quiet no-exit street; harbour views; new kitchen; three bedrooms - master with walk-through dressing room and en suite; family bathroom; internal-access garaging and cellar; gas fire in living area plus bayonet heating in bedrooms.

Size: Land area 323 sq m.

Agent: Ann McDonald and Jack Atherton, Ray White Ponsonby, Damerell Earwaker Realty. Ph 376 2186 bus; Ann 021 650 900 mob, Jack 025 739 655 mob.