No Place LIKE HOME

The joy of togetherness is woven into every element of this sparkling abode

- TAMARAH PIENAAR

Funny thing about houses... While one might fit the bill on a practical level, it will never feel like home if you don't have an emotional connection to it. This was the case for Judy and Stephen Renkert, who downsized in 2011 to a lovely apartment but soon realised it wasn't for them. 'Family is very important to us and we wanted space for our growing brood of grandchildren,' says Judy. 'We also missed having a garden.'

Seeking something 'manageable and unpretentious', the couple found exactly what they were after in a three-bedroom 1920s cottage that came complete with beautiful views. 'I knew the second I stepped through the door that this was the home for us,' says Judy. 'It felt like the house wrapped itself around me.'

As warm and welcoming as the home was, Judy and Stephen initiated a few modifications to make it perfect. 'We wanted to draw in more light and to reconfigure the floor plan to make the most of the view,' says Judy. They also decided that the kitchen, awkwardly situated near the entrance, should be moved to the rear and incorporated into a more family-friendly kitchen/dining/ family area adjacent to the existing living room. A new wrap-around verandah would deliver an additional entertaining zone. Finally, the lower-ground level (containing the third bedroom and laundry) would be expanded to make space for a bunk room, a family room/ guestroom, an additional bathroom and a larger laundry.