Blend of space, style
Careful decor choices have been made to complement this new build, writes Sandra Goodwin
Toby Olausson and his wife Marie have a family home in Glendowie, so they had plenty of experience to draw on when deciding what features would make their new build hum. Marie, whose eye for interior design guides the choice of many materials and decor elements in their projects, says: “We absolutely love Glendowie. Its blend of good schools, views and nice environment close to the water makes it appealing for families to live here.”
Builder- developer Toby says: “We could envisage this home suiting a family, so we chose elements such as five bedrooms, two living areas and good indoor- outdoor flow to the outdoor living, which makes the most of the views.
“Having three children, we knew how precious parking can be as they get older so we included a carport here, as well as the double garaging.
“And we know some families like swimming pools while others don’t want them, so we left space for one and got resource consent, which gives them the option either way.”
The Olaussons also felt the type of buyers wanting to live around here would appreciate highly specified fittings and generous dimensions.
They incorporated both when they built two stand- alone homes here last year, the rear of which has already sold.
The couple felt they’d found the right mix when they spotted the site. Toby says: “It gets lovely afternoon and evening sun and it’s tucked away up a driveway off the road so there’s no traffic noise.
“The view is great, too, looking out at the water and Browns Island, Motuihe and Musick Point.”
To create contrast and variety in the exterior they chose a combination incorporating cedar weatherboards, aluminium panels and block. The home comes with a 10- year certified builder’s warranty.
Having moved to New Zealand from Sweden 16 years ago, the couple are ardent fans of the consistency of temperature central heating systems provide and have installed one here.
Marie’s decor choices offer some upmarket distinctiveness without opting for anything likely to polarise buyers.
Premium wallpaper such as some with a subtle neutral bubble motif used in the entry foyer is a PRICE GUIDE: INSPECT: SCHOOLS: CONTACT: ON THE WEB: hallmark of the interior. Upstairs, solid- oak flooring with a washed finish spreads across the open- plan kitchen- living- dining area, which opens to a covered outdoor entertaining deck soaking up the harbour views.
The living area has a gas fire, while the kitchen boasts its own designer scullery that Marie would love to have in their own home.
The kitchen features semi- industrial light pendants, a wide oven and porcelain splash- backs, evoking the look of marble.
Another decor choice Marie favours is the textural bathroom tiles reminiscent of the shape of the ace of spades, with a matte- grey finish. They add charm to the high- end upstairs bathroom and to the en suite off the master bedroom, which has sea views and walk- in- wardrobe.
The second upstairs bedroom allows a younger child to sleep on the same level as their parents. A second living room downstairs has a study area. The three downstairs bedrooms, supported by another bathroom, open out to timber boardwalks.
Roberta Reserve and the Glendowie Boating Club are nearby with several schools within walking distance.