PERFECT BLEND OF OLD & NEW
A 25-year labour of love created a homeowner’s dream in Herne Bay, writes MARIA HOYLE
This elegant old villa is not what it first appears. Sitting nonchalantly at the end of a quiet no-exit street in upmarket Herne Bay, its elegant weatherboard facade not dissimilar to that of its neighbours, you’d never suspect it has a sleek, modern extension at the rear. However, it would be simplistic to describe this stunning renovation as ”traditional out front, contemporary in behind”. Firstly, because the extension is no ”modern box on the back” but blends beautifully with the rest of the interior. Secondly, it’s not the only part of the home to feature contemporary design. Throughout, past and present hold a conversation, because owner and designer Paul Rosnell, a director at VRLA Architecture, wanted to pay respect to what went before.
“I like that when you add something on, you continue the materials, finishes and ‘theory’ of the house but in a more modern way,” says Paul.
He gutted the house front to back — but while many traditional features had to go, its history has by no means been erased. Where ceilings couldn’t be repaired — only the front bedroom displays original panels — Paul gibbed them but kept the details around the edges. Similarly, the skirting boards and architraves are a modern interpretation of the old design. New timber and glass doors — inside the house and opening on to the patio — have horizontal mullions to hint at traditional detailing.
A particularly striking feature is the original kauri flooring from 1906. Sanded back, filled, then re-stained a rich chocolate, the almost-matte finish is elegantly timeless. Paul was cautioned against it because dark flooring wasn’t on trend. “I said ‘I don’t care. This will suit the house.’ I have never been a fan of going with what’s favoured but what works!”
The dark timber continues in the kitchen in the extension; thanks to the light, bright interior and white walls, the effect is sophisticated rather than sombre. A notable feature of the extension is the different height ceilings. “You explore that different spatial quality of different rooms. The lounge becomes cosy then the dining space opens up to the view and the light,” says Paul.
It’s hard to pick a favourite part of a home that is all wow factor but, for agent Blair Haddow, it’s this extension, which opens on to the private, beautifully landscaped patio with its water feature, lily pond, lush planting and rugged stonework. “They don’t even have a fence. You can literally walk out on to Bayfield Park. It’s such a lovely offering for this area.”
And thanks to the house’s big overhang, so you can throw open the doors even on a rainy day.
Paul seems especially proud of this peaceful little oasis. “We dug the clay out, poured the concrete, built the retaining walls . . . it’s been a labour of love.”
After 25 years of renovating and living in it, Paul has created a gem, a homeowner’s dream. No luxury is overlooked (there’s even a subterranean wine room), but it also oozes character and originality. So why move? “I’ve finally found something I think I can make better,” he says.
Sale: Auction February 24 Contact: Blair Haddow, Bayleys, 021 544 555