After raising their family in Onerahi, a stunning harbourside suburb of Whangarei, Helen and Kevin Thorne craved a simpler life. As retirement loomed, the couple envisioned more time spent on the things they loved, rather than maintaining a large home. So, when the neighbouring property came onto the market, they took a leap of faith and built the home of their dreams – with the help of friends and family.
“When the property next to us came on the market, we jumped at the chance to purchase and build,” remembers Helen. “We knew the area well and loved the northern aspect with views over the harbour. It was an easy and natural decision.”
A small bach stood on the property, which Helen and Kevin initially lived in to gain an understanding of the site and be close to hand during the planning process. The challenges of their site, which included a steep slope and poor soil quality, were outweighed by the easy access to the waterfront, nearby local parks and the cycle path to the city.
“We love to cycle into the city for coffee, and enjoy daily walks with our dog, Meg,” says Helen. “The area is great when we have family and grandchildren visiting, with a jetty across the road and a local park close by.”
THE BRIEF
In 2014, with the new section purchased and their former home sold, the couple engaged local architect Felicity Christian and the planning began.
Bu hikaye Your Home and Garden dergisinin January 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Your Home and Garden dergisinin January 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Banana & cinnamon upside-down cake
SERVES 10
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
Help from friends and family and treasured heirlooms added heart and character to this bungalow's makeover
RUG UP
Walk this way if you're looking to add warmth, character and personality to your home
FAMILY TREES
Creating a child-friendly backyard was a priority for an Auckland couple
CONJURING UP...MORE BATHROOM STORAGE
We asked the experts for their reno-free tricks to stash our bathroom stuff
AIR IT OUT
Laundry trends you'll love, plus washing hacks for all sorts of spaces
INSPECTOR GADGET
Did someone say soy milk latte? Coming right up, as we test the Breville Barista Touch Impress
The fine art of apologising
Why saying sorry is an act of courage and not a sign of weakness
Go with the flow
Flow Studio’s Staci Coble shapes her clay using the gentle currents of the ocean as her muse
Magic of mushrooms
Follow gardening editor Mary Lovell-Smith’s fun guide and conjure up your own edible delights