BEHIND THE FACADE
A classic villa frontage gives way to contemporary yet simple style and elegance at this Devonport villa, writes LOUISE RICHARDSON
She’s the sister of wellknown architect Tim Hay of Fearon Hay and an internationally successful interior architect herself, so it’s little surprise that Penny Hay had plenty of ideas when it came to renovating the attractive beach cottage she and husband Sam Yates bought in 2012, across the park from Cheltenham Beach in Devonport.
While it still presents to the street as classic Edwardian dwelling, behind the facade is a stunning modern family home, lovingly designed by Penny in collaboration with Fearon Hay.
“We always work very well together with lots of creative synergy so it was a really exciting process,” she says.
The original villa’s interior walls were all removed, and the resulting space was arranged into formal and informal living areas set around central fireplaces. The whole area is sunny and bright, with a neutral colour palette and simple, stylish furnishings, including ECC lighting, while kauri floorboards provide a pleasing connection with the home’s past. Access to the garden and courtyard is easy.
Penny says that the link between the old and new needed to be done carefully and sympathetically which is where the sensational pavilion kitchen with its adjacent internal courtyard proved an original — and very successful — concept.
Sleek and streamlined, most large kitchen appliances have been discreetly integrated, and Penny says that the simplicity pleases her very much. As a designer she is well-known for her clean, minimalist style and clutter isn’t her thing.
“As a young family, with our sons Petey, 7, and Sebastian who’s 18 months old, this has been ideal for us, because it’s so quiet, private and safe,” she says of the courtyard itself. Large bifold metal doors enable seamless indoor/outdoor flow and the exterior rendered brick walls are covered in ivy while citrus and fig trees add a Mediterranean flavour.
The courtyard has a fireplace and the family dines outside allyear-round.
“It’s incredibly peaceful and tranquil,” says Penny.
Beyond the kitchen is the bedroom and bathroom wing.
“It made sense to put these rooms — which tend to be the most personal parts of your home, together in one place.”
The bathrooms are stonetiled and all four cool, airy bedrooms open either to the courtyard or to the wraparound veranda.
Turning to the garden, Penny says that she and Sam have planted around 100 trees and the home’s surroundings are lush and green.
There are three outdoor showers that beachgoers can rinse under. As well as easy access to the sands, the home also has marvellous views to the beach, North Head Beach and Mt Victoria.
Penny and Sam are about to start a new project for themselves and their boys and feel confident that new owners will appreciate all the love and care they’ve put in here.
“You’ve got the combination of incredible design and the most high quality materials available. The owners have covered off absolutely everything and of course the beachside location is superb.”
“It’s a unique property and there is nothing else like it at all,” says Victoria Bidwell of Bayleys Takapuna.
“You’ve got the combination of incredible design and the most high quality materials available.
“The owners have covered off absolutely everything and of course the beachside location is superb.”
She says that interest is coming from a wide crosssection of people.
“There are expats coming home and locals too, and everyone who sees it is just blown away.”
Sale: Auction July 29
Contact: Victoria Bidwell, Bayleys, 021 947 080