Country Style
When Christy and Steve Harvey set about designing their new home they had a collective advantage. Christy’s design flare combined with the benefits of Steve’s “know how”, as a qualified builder, ensured the success of the project. As a builder Steve is very aware that some things on the drawing board are not always easy to create. Working closely together on numerous projects for clients of Harvey building has given them both an appreciation of products available, design concepts and aesthetic appeal. This combination of design and build works well for them as each has an appreciation of the need for appealing design that is functional.
The site for the new home was chosen for its close location to amenities and it suited their desire to have a quiet and rural aspect. The site, in the Pukekohe subdivision of Newsham Park, achieves this goal as it is surrounded by farmland and native bush. There is a gentle incline from the street which provided an opportunity to lower the garage giving additional height to the space above the garage.
“We both have an appreciation of homestead style homes... they offer a welcoming character which we believe has considerable street appeal. We wanted the new home to fit within its surroundings but have a certain distinction from the neighbouring homes,”says Christy.
While Steve agrees on the style he was adamant that their new home would take advantage of every innovative advance in technology. High maintenance materials often associated with villa style homes was not an option.“We both work long hours and the idea of low maintenance was essential. I have spent considerable time in the past restoring and fixing homes. It is time consuming, expensive, unnecessary and avoidable,”says Steve.
The exterior cladding is Craneboard which is a vinyl board which does not need painting and is very durable. “Essentially it gives the look and feel we want without the associated problems, “say Steve.
The roof, which has a 35 degree pitch, is the new Rockport Single profile from Gerard Roofs. The look of the shingle profile and texture adds considerable character to the home and offers the benefits of lightweight, durable construction. Steve has long been an advocate of Gerard Roofs and, as a builder, has an appreciation of the skills required to fix a roof properly. “This is where Gerard excel, “ says Steve,” They have the expertise and on top of this they provide a warranty on their work and now a 20 year warranty on the textured coating. They had the roof on in a few days which was a great relief to me with unsettled weather.”
The interior design of the home reflects the homestead values of the exterior. Colonial skirting boards, scotia and architraves. Claw footed baths and pedestal basins and a truly country kitchen with granite work surfaces and a large free standing oven.
The home is very spacious, warm and friendly, From the entrance guest can be shown to a separate formal lounge without intruding on the family area. Steve is a musican and has his guitar collection, 10 of them, housed above the garage in the rumpus room. Whilst built in a loft style the ceiling and head room is not restricted because the garage floor was able to excavated and dropped 1200mm below the main house floor level. This has created a great space complete with its own mini kitchen. A great asset as Steve and his mates can jam away without disturbing family life.
From the entry the house opens to the living area where French doors open to the large quila deck. The family room, dinning room and kitchen are connected providing an openness which flows to the exterior for indoor/outdoor living. With 4 bedrooms the house has versatility of space and plenty of room to accommodate family as well as house guests.
The master bedroom has a walk through wardrobe and ensuite. Steve calls it an ensuite but is actually bigger than most bathrooms
Christy and Steve have created the home they wanted. It achieves the objectives they set which was to be distinctive, have great street appeal, have character. be warm, friendly and functional.