My HOME

When relocating into town three years ago, Mike and Di Ponder came across a beautiful place on Francis Street. After some renovations, the home has become the perfect place for them to live and work from, with Mike’s art gallery connected to the home. The couple share their eclectic interior style with us.

Richard Briggs

Where is your home and how long have you lived here?

Our home is situated in Francis Street, we have lived here for the past three years, after selling our farm and vineyard in the Waihopai Valley.

What four words would you use to describe your home?

Spacious, comfortable, homely and light.

What inspired you to buy this home?

Its size and privacy offered the perfect transition for moving from the country to town. The location is also central for Mike’s art gallery. The house has the perfect proportions with its three-metre-high ceilings and doors which is important considering Mike’s height.

What’s your decorating style?

Casual and eclectic, we like a good mix of old and new.

Where do you shop for homewares?

We try to shop locally. One of our favourite shops is Cinnamon House, because of their help and advice. The other is Cerise, who gift wrap beautifully.

What piece would you never part with?

I love our jester chair. It’s been in the family for several generations and brought over from England in 1899.

If money was no object, what would you get for your home?

More solar panels on the roof, which will be more environmentally friendly.

When it comes to homeware, do you save or splurge?

Just because an item is expensive it does not mean it will be the most suitable. We like to look around and choose pieces for their individual qualities – be they new, or second hand. We were fortunate to have the combined furniture from two previous houses including inherited pieces, to choose from, which was a great saving. We did however invest in the furniture for the main lounge that offered both ambience and comfort.

What’s next on your interiors list?

Maybe freshen up the upstairs bedrooms with a lick of paint.

Have you done any renovations?

We carried out major renovations to the area used for the Mike Ponder Art Gallery. The house was perfect to balance Mikes work/lifestyle and be able to have his gallery as part of our home. Very little has been needed elsewhere.

What’s your favourite spot in the house?

We have a lovely sunroom with bi-fold doors that opens onto a covered patio. It’s magical to sit there with a book and a coffee, and the sun streaming in.

What’s your favourite room?

We have a special room which we call the ‘speak easy’ room closed off from the rest of the house. Its comfortable furniture, no TV or other electronics, makes it perfect for relaxing.

Best seat in the house?

My Barcelona chair in the sunroom, its very comfortable and you can find yourself sitting enjoying the sunshine for hours.

Best budget tip?

Restoring family furniture and bringing it back to life for all to enjoy.

Did any of your purchases cause a debate? Most things, even after 55 years of marriage. We practice compromising a lot!

Do you have any tips on how to keep your living area orderly?

Don’t own a large hairy dog.

What do you love about the neighbourhood where you live?

Our neighbourhood is a mix of residential, professional, and commercial. We have great neighbours, and it’s an easy walk into town.

Best memory in your home?

Opening the gallery was an exciting time, but our favourite memories are our weekly family dinners. That is why we need a big table, so we can all gather around and enjoy time together.