A Monaco dream come true

Paul and Karen Johnston had experienced waterfront apartment living for five years until Paul drove to Monaco on a whim. “The anticipation of a seaside lifestyle and the recreation it offered drew me, and while I was looking I was thinking what a great part of the city it would be to live,” he says. Mentioning it later to Karen, she suggested they go and have a look together. They spied the rear of a house that instantly appealed, and Karen jokingly said, “if we are going to ever live here that would have to be the house.” To their astonishment, as they rounded the corner, they saw a for sale sign at its front.

“We were taken aback,” says Paul. “Up until that point we’d had no intention of moving, but as we envisioned ourselves in this property, we realised that apartment living was no longer suiting us quite as it had initially. With nine grandchildren it wasn’t exactly family-friendly and suddenly we were looking at the perfect solution. New Vision Landscapes had beautifully landscaped the property, installing the pool and decking, making it even more appealing for family life. This house even had a swimming pool and a trampoline, as well as being close to the sea and was beautifully landscaped.”

The couple purchased the newly-renovated house without looking at any others and are thrilled with their decision. “We had a dream to have a property that all our family, including our parents, could enjoy,” says Karen. “This is an inter-generational home in a beautiful, peaceful location that is part of a friendly neighbourhood and where the spectacular views are constantly changing.”

Built in the 1960s, the house and grounds had been completely gutted and remodelled by the previous owners who had wanted it to be their forever family home until circumstances changed and they needed to move south.

To prevent any future potential surprises from weather events and the sea, the couple, who were landscaping specialists, had raised the section up to the level of the house and created a retaining wall along the boundary.

Jason Gardiner Builders, who specialise in highend renovations and new builds, were contracted to undertake the home’s renovation. “The house needed modernisation and to become more family-friendly,” says Jason. The original footprint was retained along with the cedar cladding which was still in good condition. In order to open the downstairs and allow for the addition of a bank of glass, panelled sliding doors to improve the indoor-outdoor flow and views, extensive propping up of the building was required so a new steel beam could be installed.

“That was the most major part of the job,” says Jason, who is highly experienced with over thirty years in building and renovation work. “The build was completed in two stages to suit the owners, the ground floor first and the upstairs later.”

The whole house was gutted, rewired, given new internal walls, fresh insulation and a new roof.

A four-bedroom home, the upstairs was reconfigured to provide a family bathroom while the master bedroom with ensuite downstairs can be closed off to act as its own wing.

“What was the dining room has been turned into a wonderful play area for our grandchildren who always gravitate to it,” says Karen.

The award-winning kitchen design created by Fiona Vidar of Cooper Webley is an absolute dream, according to Karen. “I couldn’t imagine anything better,” she says. “It has been cleverly designed so that everything flows ergonomically and there is plenty of storage space.”

A clean, bright white was chosen so that the outdoor environment with its green palms, ocean and pool views could be the focal point. The central island is clad in shaker-style panels and the handles throughout are the “British Plantation” style ‘Kethy’ brand, easy to pull in and out for eager children, avoiding them touching the lacquered cabinetry surfaces, thereby keeping them clean. Large bi-fold windows act as a servery hatch to the deck and outdoor entertainment area, and a particularly appreciated feature is the super-quiet Schweigen ceiling-mounted extraction system.

“The project was all about transforming a wellloved home into something future generations could enjoy,” says Jason. “There’s a great sense of satisfaction in taking something with good bones and making it both function better and meet the owner’s expectations style-wise.”

Paul and Karen certainly feel that they have fallen on their feet. “Jason Gardiner Builders completed the project to such a high standard with impeccable attention to detail,” says Paul. “We feel like we are living in an enchanting, beachfront holiday home.”

ViaVio Cheese

Nelson based factory ViaVio Cheese produces a range of fresh cheeses, aged cheeses and yogurt using locally sourced A2 tested cow milk and following the ancient Italian traditions. ViaVio Burrata and ViaVio Stracciatella of Burrata were awarded a Gold Medal this year at the NZ Champions of Cheese Awards 2023.

Hogarth Chocolate

Hogarth Chocolate Makers have been crafting some of the world’s best chocolate right here in Nelson for the past 8 years. Creativity and exploration of flavour are pillars of their philosophy. Check out their range at their new factory store and see why they are New Zealand’s most awarded chocolate maker.

Open Tues-Fri 10.00am – 4.30pm

39 Hastings St, Nelson 03 970 6778 viavio.co.nz |

The Veggie Guy

Seedless and easy peel, mandarins are in season now. Satsuma mandarins are perfect for lunchboxes and those on the run.

10B Kotua Place, Stoke 03 544 8623 hogarthchocolate.co.nz

Eight Plates

Nelson’s newest dining experience! Delicious, seasonal small plates for brunch, lunch and dinner, cocktails, coffee, beer and wine. eightplates.co.nz.

Open Thu – Mon 10am to 10pm.

520 Main Rd, Stoke, Nelson 03 922 9813 theveggieguy.co.nz

300 Trafalgar St, Nelson 03 546 4300

ZUMO Coffee

Takeaway or stay in for the full ZUMO experience. Enjoy spacious rustic surroundings inside and out, kids zone and bored room. The team of Baristas offer fast, fabulous service with the ZUMO personal touch.

Open 7-days. Monday - Friday 7am4pm & Saturday - Sunday 8am - 3pm. Fresh baking everyday. Coffee Rosting on-site every Tuesday. Come savor the aroma, buzz and great conversation.

42 Rutherford Street 021 484 170 zumo.coffee

Alberta’s Café

All day breakfast from 7.30 – 2.30pm, seven days a week. Exceptional coffee and views to match. Pop in and enjoy their delicious breakfast menu or a bite to eat from their tasty cabinet of house-made delights. Gluten free, dairy free and vegan options available, they cater for all. Dine in or takeaway.

Ben & Maxxi

Perfect for when everyone wants something different for dinner. Taking Asian fusion to all new levels, try their satay chicken pizza or satay chicken burger. Partnering with neighbouring restaurant The Lemongrass, both menus are on offer in each restaurant, giving you more choices than ever.

Dine inside or enjoy the summer sunshine in the al-fresco dining area.

Shed 4, Mapua Wharf 03 540 3933 albertas.co.nz |

294 Queen St, Richmond 03 541 0665 benandmaxxi.co.nz

Mapua Village Bakery

Open for breakfast, lunch, and snacks throughout the day, choose from their fantastic menu full of all your favourites. Dinner is sorted with fabulous take home family pies ready to heat and enjoy or pop in the freezer, plus takeaway cakes for dessert.

A great place to have a work meeting or breakfast, then indulge in one of the many tempting treats. Their amazing coffee will add a bounce to your day too.

Open 8am to 3pm.

68 Aranui Rd, Mapua 03 540 3656 mapuavillagebakery.co.nz

McCashin’s Tap Room

With great indoor/outdoor dining areas bring your friends, family or workmates along to enjoy their mouth-watering menu. Which includes their famous steak sandwiches, pizzas, platters and seasonal plates to savour. McCashin’s Tap Room is your local friendly meeting place with fine beverages made on site at the brewery. It’s your local.

660 Main Road, Stoke 03 547 0329 mccashins.co.nz

The Junction Shop

Where locals support locals. Discover local products like cheese from Thorvald, Little River Estate, Cranky Goat, and Viavio. FYO Oaklands milk, local honey, olive oil, kombucha, and apple cider vinegar. Create the perfect platter using goodies from Craft Pate, The Sausage Press, Nelson Naturally and Aroha chocolate, and compliment it with a great bottle of Nelson wine.

Old Factory Corner, Cnr McShane Rd & Appleby H/Way 03 544 1911 thejunctionshop.co.nz |

Port O’Call Bar

When you need a place to relax, Port O’Call Bar is the perfect spot! You’ll be impressed with the superior selection of local and international beers and wines, along with one of Nelson’s largest whiskey selections.

Open Monday – Sunday, 4pm – 11pm.

Sprig + Fern Brewing Co.

It’s not autumn in Nelson Tasman unless you’ve spent time at a local Sprig + Fern Tavern enjoying a pint of craft beer or cider.

Solander Gourmet Seafood

Level Two, Rutherford Hotel Nelson 03 548 2299 rutherfordhotel.nz

Real beer, real people, really local Sprig + Fern Milton St, Hardy St, Tahuna, Upper Queen, The Meadows, Brightwater, Mapua and Motueka. sprigandfern.co.nz | gourmetseafood.co.nz

For all your fresh fish and seafood favourites for nourishing winter chowders, paellas and your delicious fish curries, keep it local with Solander. The very best seafood available in Nelson and NZ, accessible to you via online order. Select from the finest seafood and other gourmet products, to ensure that your dining experiences are healthy, delicious, and incredibly well priced.

River Kitchen

Situated on the banks of the Maitai River, at the heart of city centre of beautiful Nelson. You can sit back and relax, away from the hustle and bustle.

Specialising in delicious, seasonally inspired food, craft beers, wines from around New Zealand, and locally roasted coffee. We offer a full à la carte menu, serving breakfast and lunch all year round.

Open Tue-Fri | 7:30am-4pm, Sat | 8am-4pm and Sun | 8:30am-4pm.

81 Trafalgar St, Nelson 03 548 1180 riverkitchennelson.co.nz

The Indian Café

With three great locations you can enjoy Indian Cafe’s delicious food no matter where you are. Head in and find out why Indian Café is the favourite choice for anyone looking for the highest quality food and a memorable cuisine experience.

All venues offer intimate restaurant dining and courtyard settings and takeaway options.

94 Collingwood St, Nelson | 03 548 4089 266 Queen St, Richmond | 03 544 8979 201 Songer St, Stoke | 03 547 0008 theindiancafe.co.nz

Anchor Restaurant and Bar

Top quality food is best served with amazing ocean views! Blessed with a fantastic spot on the water, you will feel welcomed and won’t want to leave.

Specialising in local seafood and steaks, there are also delectable choices for non-meat eaters, people with special dietary needs and kids.

62 Vickerman St, Port Nelson 03 546 6614 anchorrestaurant.co.nz

Famous for its sunny beer garden, delicious food offerings, 16 core beers and ciders on tap, plus limited release products, for Sprig + Fern Tahuna Tavern owners Sam Fitzgerald and Ben Douglas supporting the community is all part and parcel of the industry.

From hosting weekly quiz nights to promoting community fundraisers, Sam and Ben are passionate about supporting their patrons as much as they support them. Sponsored by Sprig + Fern Brewing Co., Ben is putting his best foot forward in training for the upcoming Dancing for a Cause and raising money for Nelson Tasman Hospice.

Competing against nine other contestants on May 27, Ben says, “I have felt muscles in my feet and legs that I didn’t even know existed. The team are great, and we have a lot of good banter and fun along the way.”

Having been training since February, Ben’s warmup technique might not come as a surprise to some, given he is co-owner of the tavern. “I’ve discovered that having a pint before practice actually makes me a better dancer!”

Also competing, but on a nationwide platform, Sam has enlisted the Tavern in the annual Great New Zealand Toastie Takeover. Battling it out against 185 eateries across the country, their entry ‘Baabaa Ghanoush’, is made up of house smoked lamb shoulder on baba ghanoush hummus, peppery rocket, thors hammer manchego style cheese with McClure’s Garlic & Dill Pickles finished, with a fresh hop aioli packed between two slices of Don Rodrigo’s quinoa sourdough bread. Served with house cut, twice-cooked chips and seasoned with rosemary and garlic Marlborough Sea Salt flake, their toastie is out of this world and well-worthy of the ‘Best Toastie in Aotearoa’ championship title. “We’ve created a toastie that’s turning heads — and trust us when we say you’re gonna want to try it.”

To help the team win nationwide bragging rights, head down to the Sprig + Fern Tahuna Tavern for a pint, grab a toastie and register your vote via their unique QR code. “This toasted beauty is available in tavern until mid-June. Come try it and then place your vote for the People’s Choice Award online!”

While you are at it, help Sprig + Fern Tahuna back one of their own, and do your bit to support those who in need it, by donating at dancingforacause.co.nz/campaigns/ben-douglas/