Whitford: Functional style

VICKI HOLDER finds a new-look 1970s gem boasting sophisticated yet practical family living.

Splendid views of the Hauraki Gulf made a huge impression on Jen Hogg when she first visited her lifestyle property in Whitford. Within an hour of seeing it, she just had to own it. Even the '70s-style "klinker brick" boomerang of a house didn't deter her. "It had a typical 1970s conversation pit and big half-round doors," she recalls, "but I thought it had possibilities."

After living in the house for three months, she appreciated the home even more despite its downfalls. "We realised why it was sited where it was. The previous owner had lived here in a caravan before building. He chose to build where he did because whenever the wind is blowing, no matter which direction the wind comes from, you can always find some shelter."

Because Jen and her family are particularly keen on outdoor living, that revelation pleased them immensely. It cemented the decision to renovate rather than build again. Structurally there was nothing wrong with the house. Yet it needed a huge makeover to satisfy Jen's yen for open, strong, contemporary spaces and a more pleasing aesthetic.

She says: "I wanted a home that would be easy to entertain in. I wanted to enjoy the views, catch the sunsets. I had to have great sitting and living areas both indoors and out, which is why I put fireplaces in both living areas and at either end of the terrace."

Having worked with Brent Hulena before, Jen says he was an obvious choice of architect for the redesign. "It wasn't easy," she says. "There were an awful lot of problems overcoming work done to comply with outdated building codes. But Brent and I had a vision and a really good rapport."

Together they have created a sophisticated country home with a powerful presence, as functional as it is immensely enjoyable.

Two wings lure you through an Italianate-style garden into a grand entry foyer between massive display shelves that separate the formal entertaining lounge from the family spaces. Jen says the foyer adds flexible living space, designed not just as an entry, but also as a library - even an alternative formal dining area with a dramatic atmosphere.

With tall pitched and beamed ceilings, the two enormous rooms on either side flow into one another, opening through bifold doors to a vast wrap-around deck. Sound systems continue to an outdoor dining area where you can enjoy sunsets from the western end, warmed by an open fire on the wall. A barbecue fireplace is incorporated at the far end, and steps lead down to a heated lap pool.

One of Jen's favourite rooms is her bedroom, part of a large suite downstairs. Painted a soft, sea foam blue, it's a tranquil space opening to a spa pool on the terrace. Through an enormous fitted dressing room, her bathroom entices to a Carrara marble vanity, a luxurious shower with multiple shower heads and a Kaldewai bath on heated slate floors.

Bedrooms at the opposite end of the house are also provided with extravagant black fossilstone bathrooms. A guest suite downstairs has its own entry. The upstairs bedrooms and a bathroom give children a place to escape with a separate sitting area or study.

During the building process, son Andrew took up digs in one of two ultra-comfortable stables adjoining a tack room beside the internally accessed double garaging.

As the house is designed for lavish entertaining, a large country-style laundry with durable Maytag whiteware doubles as a catering kitchen. Loads of storage is packed in next to big tubs and an integrated fridge.

Seeing the house now, it's hard to imagine what it looked like before. The makeover has completely erased any ugly reminders of the 1970s to give the impression of a robust, beautifully detailed new home. It's a wonderful environment where a large family can relax in great comfort, with plenty of room in the surrounding paddocks for the horses.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 702 Whitford-Maraetai Rd, Whitford.

FEATURES: Large country home renovated by Brent Hulena on equestrian property with views of city, Formosa Golf Course and Hauraki Gulf; close to Pine Harbour Marina and beaches; Italianate gardens; huge living areas flowing to terrace; study; four bedrooms - two with en suites; four bathrooms with lavish use of stone, underfloor heating; sound system indoors and out; two internal fireplaces and one on terrace; heated lap pool; internal double garage plus garaging under house; spa pool.

SIZE: Floor area approx 850sq m; land area 2.5ha.

TENDER CLOSES: June 25.

AGENT: Julie Parmenter, Barfoot & Thompson, Whitford. Ph 530 8292 bus; 530 8133 ah; 021 982 210 mob.