Busy corporate careers and apartment living in Hong Kong were traded in for this sunny, eclectic and private family homehilltop haven in Sumner
A private hilltop haven in Christchurch
Who lives here? Larissa and Andrew Hamilton (founders and owners of Corcovado), together with their children Charlie and Wilby.
What attracted you to this home? Larissa: The position and the outlook. We have always been attracted to the sea and wanted somewhere we could see the sea as well as the sunrise. The boys love it. They are into football and surfing, they roam the hills and they go to a school with a roll of 67.
What do you plan to change? Larissa: We might build another level, and we might add a pool. But for now we are just happy to be living here. We feel privileged to have found this house.
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The well-dressed deck extends the area off the living room to a very comfortable space to recline outdoors.
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Charlie and Wilby Hamilton relax on the deck that wraps around the front of the home with extended eaves that provide shade during the summer months.
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In the living room, pitched ceilings and extensive glazing give a sense of volume.
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The generous living room connects to the bedroom wing by a glass-sided passage to take advantage of the magnificent view.
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The open-plan area features treasures that add character and charm, reflecting the globally influenced decor.
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Andrew relaxes at the dining table beneath pendant lights that visually bring the two rooms together.
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A custom-made cream rug and white walls provide a neutral backdrop to the eclectic furnishings.
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Cole & Son ‘Into the Woods’ wallpaper behind the bath creates a whimsical backdrop.
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A small collection of objects on the bookcase includes a single feather shed from the wing of a male Great Argus pheasant in Borneo, secured on a custom-made stand. Larissa loves feathers and they feature throughout the home.
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The dreamy master bedroom is replete with neutral tones and subdued hues.
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Wilby’s room boasts sparkly sea views, and his bunk bed and desk unit provide plenty of storage.
Style tips
- Tell your story. Trends come and go but houses that feel like home are the ones that reflect the inhabitants and their own personal adventures. “Items in our home are from all over the world and different stages in our lives. That’s the joy of it – to look around and be reminded of our journey so far,” says Larissa.
- Find your art. A great artwork will never be a bad investment. But remember there is art everywhere – from found objects to feathers and shells. Find the natural items you love and then decide how to display them.
- Think green. Larissa loves filling her home with greenery: “My current favourite is olive trees. They look wonderful inside woven baskets and are ideal to fill a void or empty space in a room.”
Words by: Ady Shannon. Photos by: Kate Claridge
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