Pursuit of excellence
Couple were determined to do justice to their villa, says Louise Richardson
When Phil and Tania Wardale do a job they both like to do it well, and their sensational Herne Bay villa is a shining testament to that fact. Situated in one of the suburb’s legendary “avenues”, it oozes street appeal and enjoys copious sunlight — year round — especially in the seamlessly integrated extension at the back which houses the kitchen dining and main family living spaces.
“The house was utterly basic when we bought it,” says Tania. “There was even still scrim on the walls, so we set aside a whole year and practically rebuilt it, keeping its heritage in mind and retaining as many of the character features as we possibly could. We also add heated floors in the bathrooms, smart- wiring and air- conditioning.
“It was all finished about the time that our daughter Zara was born.”
The exterior was tidied up and repainted in soft grey with white trims on the elaborate window frames and perfectly preserved decorative fretwork.
The four bedrooms at the front of the house and the large light- filled hallway were brought beautifully up- to- date, with subtle Aalto colours on the walls.
Pretty period fireplaces have been preserved in the guest bedroom — and in the master suite, which has a timeless 5- star hotel- standard bathroom and fitted walk- in wardrobe with Italian racks that can be cleverly lowered for convenience.
The family bathroom is also luxurious with a Phillipe Starck for Duravit tub and tiled walls and floor.
Tania says that they were lucky to have Jason Bailey architecturally design the extension with its multitude of windows and soaring roof and also, very fastidious builders who jumped at the opportunity to showcase their skills recreating skirtings, architraves and trim, where required throughout the villa.
Unwilling to stint on quality at any stage of the project, the couple chose an Italian Poliform kitchen in marble and, 10 years on, it still looks new. Discreet cupboards hide kitchen clutter away for a sleek and stylish overall effect.
The dining area with vast bi- fold windows for a cooling summer breeze has a statement black chandelier from ECC Lighting ( which provided fittings for all the other rooms, too) hanging above the table and the family living area is large and comfortable with lots of wall space for shelving and artworks.
Outside is the recently installed pool in which Zara and her younger brother Harry have enjoyed hours of fun, and an outdoor entertaining area, all surrounded by well- established, neat hedging for absolute privacy.
And just when you think you’ve seen it all, a set of stairs leads downstairs to an impressive subterranean space with a storeroom, combined laundry and bathroom and a surprisingly sunny second living room. Currently it’s used as an office, but could be a fifth bedroom, media room, gym or self- contained accommodation for visitors.
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From this level you reach the carport and can access a workroom on the side of the house, where Phil keeps his tools, paint and lawnmower.
The couple haven’t missed a single opportunity to create room for storage, which means they can largely live in elegant semi- minimalist style.
The family want a change but won’t be moving far because they love Bayfield School and have friends in the vicinity.
“One possibility is another renovation,” says Tania. “Or perhaps a slightly smaller property plus a beach house. We haven’t quite decided, but it’s going to be fun.