4 minute read
Inner city living
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AMAZING GRACE
Packed with extra bonus features, this built-for-the-builder home combines exceptional design with quality construction.
WORDS JO FERRIS
It’s often been said that a builder knows best what makes a home function and flow. It also helps if that builder owns their own company. Originally building this home for themselves, a change of plans means good fortune for the next owner. This is an exceptional example of design, quality and finish – combined with features and extras not normally offered in a home, let alone a brand new one.
Grace Road is one of Tauranga’s most sought-after areas within the Avenues’ precinct, and among the most tightly held. For good reason. Its proximity to the city, recreation and water cements its value. Sitting off the streetfront, this home nestles in relative seclusion, with scenery for company and the pleasure of being brand new.
Views gaze east over Waimapu Estuary – idyllic by day, but gorgeous at night. Two levels ensure the views from upstairs are picture-perfect, thanks to smart design, extensive glazing, wraparound balconies and seamless connection with the scenery stretching out in front. Punctuated only by trees, the leafy ambience ensures nature is preserved.
Construction blends strength with beauty – concrete, vertical Abodo weatherboard and Alpine stone schist. It’s an edgy, earthy look – this notion repeated inside with a décor that showcases an innate understanding of tone, texture and style.
Four bedrooms, three stunning bathrooms and a powder room spread over both levels – together with three separate living areas that change moods from one to the other. Each zone gives privacy for different occasions, while defining their purpose. Either snuggled around the gas fire watching a movie, entertaining with company in the family hub or toasting the city’s evening lights outside around the schist-clad fire, this home excels. The outdoor lounge is also an extension for the master suite – making it the perfect ending to a day as lights twinkle in front.
Good design is accompanied by exquisite taste in fittings throughout this home. The kitchen and scullery showcase detailed styling. Bathrooms are all personalised to reflect their individual purpose, and careful selection of lighting also reflects a clear understanding of how lighting can truly enhance a space.
Recessed ceilings in key places become light features at night that complement the mood. Upstairs or down, this home connects with its setting – function and flow sit at its heart. Underpinning all that is the quality construction and assurance that this builder didn’t cut any corners. It was built for themselves after all.
154A Grace Road, Avenues
OLIVERROADESTATEAGENTS.COM
A CHARMED LIFE
The delight is in the details in this light-filled townhouse.
WORDS JO FERRIS
Disguise by definition considers an intriguing element of concealment. That notion adopts new meaning with this Tauranga city townhouse. Tucked discreetly on a rear site in the Avenues’ precinct, this home enjoys a hint of seclusion within its private enclave. Upon approach, one is greeted by the appearance of a two-level home. Thanks to the tiered structure of this site however, the upper level slips out to a private, sun-drenched rear patio. Clever landscaping creates another tiered garden ribbon – peeks out to the harbour adorned by neighbouring trees that bring nature into this leafy spot.
A collaborative project between Tauranga designers and builders, this new townhouse celebrates the importance of teamwork. Ideas that began with a vision have come to life through quality construction, finish and an eye for detail. Sometimes, it’s not so much what is on show that sparks appreciation, it’s the hidden elements that bring surprise – and praise.
In this case, special attention is showered on the kitchen. Delicious, with its dark cabinetry and bespoke hardware, the kitchen’s sleek finish is accented with mirrored splashbacks, chic pendant lighting over the bar-stool unit and topof-the-range F&P appliances. In a home of this quality, perhaps the only feature missing is a scullery perhaps, or at least a walk-in pantry? As with any moment of magic, the best is left until last. Neatly disguised by what appears to be simple pantry doors is, in fact, a complete scullery. Genius – a true talking point, and one to trick guests with over dinner.
Talking points flow throughout this home. Highlights in all three bathrooms – each bespoke and personalised with different styles. There’s a luxury ensuite for the master suite, a shared ensuite for two bedrooms, a family bathroom, plus a powder room for added convenience. With four bedrooms, this home has the flexibility for the increasingly-important home office. Good design is always about presenting options. Downstairs allows the freedom for teens to relish their own bedroom and lounge. It also offers privacy for guests, or office space if the preference is to work from home.
Stippled with natural light and an open heart, this home’s creators spared no expense. Brick and vertical Adobe weatherboard construction, engineered timber flooring and 100 percent wool carpet inside, supported by underfloor heating in bathrooms, ducted heating and extra detail throughout. Turn on the gas fire, flick the TV remote and prepare to settle in for a charmed life in the Avenues.
39B Fourteenth Avenue, Avenues
