Q&A

I WISH I HAD: Taken more time to be on site to sort out the three Belgian chandeliers, only one of which has been hung so far as they need to be retrofitted to New Zealand standards.

RENOVATION LOW POINT: The villa on the site was burned in an arson attack, which exposed a problem with an external asbestos wall. We needed to get rid of the asbestos before we could remove the villa. It caused a budget blowout and lots of stress.

PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT: Taking a space that everyone had major reservations about, in terms of “do-ability”, and turning it into a home that’s a pleasure to live in and which gives me so much enjoyment every day.

THE THING I LOVE ABOUT THE WAIRARAPA: The community. I’ve enjoyed many acts of kindness. The health professionals here are to be commended too.