An exercise in excellence
Award-winning architectural designer Darren O’Neil has put his name to some of the most outstanding homes in Christchurch and this Merivale home is right up there alongside them.
Having been given the opportunity to showcase his considerable talent, he did just that, designing a substantial and stylish home crafted from Hinuera stone with copper and maintenance-free materials.
From the pivoting glass door opening into the double height atrium to the last Italian tile, this home could arguably be the first and last word of an exercise in excellence.
Offering absolute privacy on its rear site, this large family home offers four double bedrooms, four bathrooms, three living areas, a superbly appointed office and European-styled outdoor living within walled, paved courtyards.
Lining up in a veritable who’s who of top-of-the-line fixtures, fittings and appliances are Cbus lighting, Italian tiles, French wallpaper and Tasmanian oak flooring, together with Miele appliances, Wenge built-in joinery and Hafele hardware.
You can add to this the commercial lift by Schindler, the Toshiba home theatre equipment, Yamaha surround sound system, Samsung icemaker fridge/freezer, Vintec wine fridge and you would still only be scratching the surface.
Beauty and intelligence partner up here to produce an easy layout that creates a blend of formal and informal living spaces which offer total flexibility of use from family time to large-scale entertaining and a bespoke media room with six large, soft theatre chairs.
Being wired for surround sound means you don’t miss a moment of commentary when your favourite sports team plays and enjoy a spot of Beethoven or Guns & Roses as the mood takes you.
If there has been any expense spared it certainly isn’t evident here, where time, talent and a discerning eye have been applied to every aspect of the home including the well-specified kitchen with its butler’s pantry.
The main bedroom suite on the second floor is a perfect example of this uncompromising approach with its large ensuite with a double shower, walk-in wardrobe and designer dressing room and private sunny balcony with its glass balustrade.
If there are better ways to start your morning we have yet to hear of them.
Having been presented with what has to be the perfect home, the team at Earthworks Landscape Architects was then charged with creating similarly high specified surroundings.
That vision then became reality in the form of generous paved areas with an Escea gas fire, Locarno automatic louvres and a show-stopping glass water feature, making outdoor living mandatory most of the year.
There can be nothing quite as reassuring as knowing your next home has not just met, but exceeded, your expectations in the quality of finish and specifications from the ground up.
This is what has happened here, with its classic styling and natural flow resulting in a timeless beauty.
The clean lines, white palette and use of texture make an elegant backdrop for a diverse range of interior decorating styles and a perfect gallery for art.
A combination of the sunny, sheltered aspect, insulation, gas
fire, double glazing, heat pumps and underfloor heating keeps the home at a comfortable temperature year round.
Four-car garaging with huge storage is an absolute bonus as is its easy proximity to some of Christchurch’s most desirable schools and in the zone for both Christchurch Boys’ High School and Christchurch Girls’ High School. A short walk away are all the delights of Merivale Mall and Victoria St with their boutique shops, cafes and restaurants.
There’s a lot to love here, a fact potential buyers will not be slow to recognise.
With open days this weekend, you may want to be quick off the mark for this one. It may be scheduled to go under the hammer next month but there’s every chance a prior offer may see it sold.