My Home

Living on the Tāhunanui hills you’re almost guaranteed a stunning view, but for the homeowners of 5 Albert Road it’s not just the view that’s stunning, but the home itself. Nelson Magazine finds out more about this home, which has just gone on the market, that has plenty to look at both inside and out.

George Guille

What four words would you use to describe your home?

Clever design, spectacular view. Best money spent?

The house! Luckily for me the previous owners who built this home in 2014 spared no expense, I’m extremely grateful to them for that. Who inspired your homes look?

The current interior look is thanks to Ana Stevenson. Her company Openhome Ready helped me furnish the interior of 5 Albert Road for market. When it comes to homeware, do you save or splurge?

Splurge. If you’re living with it, you should love it.

What is one thing you would change about your home if you could?

I wouldn’t change anything about this house… but life always changes. I know that Simone Henbrey will find this special home a new owner who will enjoy it as much as we have.

What’s your favourite room?

The upstairs lounge. I love the high stud and the simple striking architecture of this space. Huge picture windows and doors flood this whole space with natural light and draw in the incredible view… it feels like you can almost touch the boats as they come through The Cut. The open plan design of this room includes the kitchen and dining which all open directly to the sheltered outdoor living area, making it a very social space, brilliant for entertaining. And it’s so comfortable and easy to live in, very warm and sunny in winter, and easily controlled in summer with high electric windows creating cool airflow. What piece would you never part with?

My pair of 19th century antique gothic griffins. I was looking for something special to guard the entrance to the house and fell in love with them instantly while browsing on First Dibs. They are cast iron, and heavy… I shipped them here from the UK. Do you have any tips on how to keep your living area orderly?

If you can, have a second living area that’s designated for the children. The huge room by the downstairs bedrooms makes a fantastic guest room, home gym, or in this case, a perfect separate lounge. Opening directly to the deck and garden, the children can enjoy this space for hours which helps maintain order upstairs.

1. The ocean view is enjoyed from almost every window. 2. Angela’s family have created many memories pool side. 3. The home was designed by award-winning architects Kerr Ritchie and is practical and thought out.

Have you done any renovations?

Not necessary… Designed by award-winning Queenstown-based architects Bronwen Kerr and Pete Ritchie, this house was already perfect. I simply enjoyed choosing luxurious soft furnishings, adding curtains, carpet, large rugs, and wallpaper to soften and personalise the spaces. Where do you shop for homewares?

I prefer timeless homewares that are unique and original. They also need to be robust and high quality to withstand the rigours of everyday family living. For example, my outdoor furniture from ECC and Dawson and Co. Both are family-owned New Zealand companies who source their pieces from some of the world’s leading designers. Best memory in your home?

The happy family memories of the pool. My son learnt to swim in the pool, and we use it virtually every day. It’s magical when it’s softly lit at night… and it’s glorious by day. I have loved sitting on the deck listening to them laughing and playing below. And the views. I’ve always had a view, but the view from this house is something else, you just can’t tire of it. I don’t even draw the curtains… I have loved being wowed by this view from the moment I open my eyes, every single morning.

Unique glass art for everyday use at affordable prices. It’s what we have been making as a family, for the past four decades.