Perfect family sanctuary

Will and Fiona Purvis immediately saw the potential in a barn that had been converted into a house when they first viewed this Whitford property four years ago. Previous owners had done a good job of the conversion, but the couple recognised there was so much more that could be done to further enhance the house on a great site near the water.

“When we came here we opened a drawer and found three sets of plans for the house, so people had thought about doing it before us, but we were the ones who took up the challenge,” says Will.

Having previously built two homes and renovated two others, he and Fiona had some experience under their belts. They also made sure they brought in renowned architect Darren Jessop to come up with the design for a contemporary extension to the character home.

They’re very happy with the results, and so are their three adult children, Henry, Storm and Claudia.

The modern, environmentally friendly addition contrasts nicely with the original house, which was built around 1992, and makes the most of fabulous views over Turanga Creek to farmland.

“We wanted something that would take advantage of the views,” says Will. “We loved sitting out on the deck where the new living room is now but sometimes we’d have to come in if it got windy and cold.

“We thought, what a pity, we should do something about this. Now we have a room with triple glazing so we can enjoy the view no matter what the weather is doing.”

The new part of the house extends from the kitchen and includes a new living and dining space, an additional living room, a kitchenette and a bedroom and bathroom for youngest daughter Claudia.

There is another formal living room in the original part of the house, which Will admits only tends to get used when the family has visitors, plus two bedrooms and a bathroom.

Upstairs, under a sloping chalet-style ceiling, is the master bedroom, which has a generous en suite, a walk-in wardrobe, plus additional storage and a study nook. French doors open to a balcony which also enjoys the great views.

“Upstairs is a bit of a sanctuary for us, and it is a lovely place to escape to,” says Will.

As well as the deck that runs the length of the water-facing side of the house, there is a deck on the other side, which is partly covered.

“This means if it is windy you have still got somewhere else where you can sit outside. It’s welldesigned.”

Other features of the home include triple stacker glass doors and a gas fire in the new living room,