This classic Kiwi bach in Northland has been given a new lease on life, discover the renovation story and find out how you can shop the look
This classic Kiwi bach has been given a new lease on life
– The property is leased and in a gated beach suburb. Did this mean there were design or consent restrictions? Only those imposed by us! We wanted to keep the footprint and bach feel, and spend as little as possible. Most people thought it should have been demolished – it was rat-infested and mock Tudor.
– Least favourite part of the project? Removing (with the very brave Reef, then 8) a total of 87 rat carcasses from the house.
– Best advice for renovating on a budget? Look beyond gib; there are cheaper wall linings that suit baches. We used 7mm hardboard and battened it, and it looks great.
– Any cheap styling tricks? I always look for old white linen (sheets, curtains, tablecloths). Linen bleaches beautifully, won’t fade and looks fab as curtains.
Budget
How did your budget compare to your spend?
We always renovate on an absolute shoestring. We allowed for $45,000 and came in under $30,000, including furnishings (although that doesn’t include our labour, which would probably double that figure).
What did you save and splurge on?
We saved on the re-pile so the floors are charming and wonky. The new roof was a splurge.
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Vanessa scoured marine chandleries for nautical accents such as old rope and a lifebuoy.
2/12
Call them serial renovators or holiday home entrepreneurs, Vanessa and Richard Owen love doing up houses – and they’re good at it.
3/12
With such a stunning view, the landscaping could be kept simple. Vanessa scoured marine chandleries for nautical accents such as old rope and a lifebuoy. Apart from a giant fig tree and the neighbours’ handy overhanging lemon tree, there were no plants, so the Owens added natives in raised beds and pots.
4/12
Apart from a giant fig tree and the neighbours’ handy overhanging lemon tree, there were no plants, so the Owens added natives in raised beds and pots.
5/12
Vanessa bought the pot belly stove from Trade Me; the antique candlestick above it was her grandmother’s.
6/12
Vanessa’ relaxed, coastal style makes use of offcuts and vintage finds.
7/12
The pantry was in the house when it was purchased and was then built into the wall during the renovation.
8/12
The cane chair was found in a junk shop and painted in Resene ‘Alabaster’.
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Shop their style:
Bathing Beauties double oven glove, $24.90, from Wallace Cotton. Indigo dinner plate, $15.95, from Freedom. Vintage cutlery tray, $45, from Junk & Disorderly. Vintage Union Jack tissue paper, $32.50, from Zazzle. Airlie occasional chair, $399, from Freedom.
10/12
The holiday inspired Vanessa to add Grecian-style shutters and bright blue accents to the house, which “perked up the soft coastal colours”.
11/12
Shop their style:
Tobie round table, $249, from Freedom. Harlequin European pillowcase, $29.90, and Annecy Oxford pillowcase set, $44.90, from Wallace Cotton. Ahoy tote bag, $36.85, from Zazzle. Red, white and blue nautical bunting, $44.50, from Zazzle.
12/12
Shutters made from old cedar conceal a mirror and bring a touch of Greek charm to the bedroom. The holiday inspired Vanessa to add Grecian-style shutters and bright blue accents to the house, which “perked up the soft coastal colours”.
Words by: Fiona Ralph. Photography by: Melanie Jenkins.
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