At Home

Style, charm and sophistication with a cool coastal vibe

Chocolate Dog Studio

Positioned along the Motueka coastline, sheltered amongst established trees teeming with native wildlife, sits a stunning coastal farmhouse combining cool, classic design with rustic beach vibes. Built by the experienced team at D.R Build, and designed by architect, Simon Lemin, the Hamptons inspired home oozes an air of casual sophistication and coziness. The main priority for the clients was for the home to be filled with natural light, with extensive windows framing each outlook and letting the views speak for themselves. Purchasing the sun-drenched 3000sqm section near the Tasman coastline was a dream come true for the happy new homeowners when they were looking at moving closer to Motueka. “We had lived in Nelson for 23 years and had been looking at different options when we found this fabulous flat section. My husband had always been keen to build but I wasn't convinced and thought it sounded way too stressful. However, we fell in love with the section and the journey began.” Building along the coast can bring its own set of challenges but Daniel Richards, owner of D.R Build, worked closely with the couple to find the best solutions without compromising their vision. Initially inspired by the Hamptons and combining a range of different styles the couple say their ideas certainly evolved throughout the building process. “My husband laughs when I try to define the style because I don't think it really fits any one category. Probably the best description would be a coastal farmhouse. At one stage I wanted a very vintage styled interior of muted neutrals. but then decided to add some blues which works so well with the theme and the neutral palette throughout the home. It also allowed me to incorporate an old blue hutch dresser that I'm quite attached to and my random collection of blue and white china. The living area certainly has a bit of a rustic feel.”

The feature tiling in the bathroom and ensuite, and the paisley print wallpaper in the entrance are particular favourites for the couple. “I also love the tongue and groove wall paneling painted in Resene ‘Coast’ in two of the bedrooms. My favourite space is probably the window seat in the dining room, but I also love the relaxing lounge and the spacious laundry. We are thrilled with the exterior cladding that we used from Abodo as rather than being treated with chemicals, it is heat treated.” Creating continuity, an ‘X’ design is subtly showcased

throughout the home featuring in their kitchen island, the custom-made inbuilt lounge cabinet and outside, on the garage doors. Nine months in the making the couple say Daniel and his team were exceptionally supportive throughout the entire process, going above and beyond to navigate any challenges and ensuring a smooth building process for all involved. Sue Cunningham, owner of SC Interior Design helped the couples dream come to fruition, guiding their confidence to select furnishings, dressings and colour palettes to complete the final details. “We just love our home and being by the coast. We feel very blessed to be able to walk down our driveway and onto the beach.”

D.R Build owner, Daniel Richards says he thoroughly enjoyed working on the project due to the multitude of different and complex features. “Working start to finish with the client meant we had a real feel for what they envisioned, and collectively worked towards this goal with them. One of the details we thoroughly enjoyed was custom making the handrails around all the decking and steps, this is something as a builder, you don’t get to do every day.” Creating what may seem to be a minor detail on paper can bring a home, aesthetically, to completion says Daniel. “We really appreciated it when the client welcomed us back to turn an old pole shed at the back of the property into a fully-fledged entertaining space. This was designed to have the same rustic beach style as the home we had completed earlier in the year. Being the business owner, project manager and direct point of call for any client queries is beneficial in streamlining the process and helps create an honest and open relationship with the clients.”

MOTUEKA