CONTACT:
Simone du Bernard, Harcourts, ph
(09) 451 9344 or 021 433 965.
FEATURES:
Modern home with Balinese
influence that has sheltered outdoor areas and
views of the nearby estuary. Light and bright
living spaces with great indoor-outdoor flow.
Home theatre room, underfloor heating, rumpus
room above attached garage. Separate second
garage.
A holiday at the Australian town of Port Douglas provided inspiration for Dave and Kay Baldwin's bright, breezy home overlooking Weiti River.
Kay says they showed pictures of the resort they stayed at to Paul Francis, of Francis Group Architects, so he could design something with that look for the site they bought in 2004.
"I love that resort feel and we tried to capture that Balinese-y flavour," says Kay.
Dave, who started out as a builder and has moved into property development, oversaw the project with Kay contributing her design ideas.
"Kay's had input into our business ever since we were married in the form of interior design work and landscaping," says Dave.
Quality materials such as basalt, porcelain tiles and silver anodised aluminium joinery have been used throughout. Their home sits where the original homestead sat on a farm that has been subdivided. Dave says before they built they flattened the site to create options for installing a swimming pool either on the northern or eastern side of the home. Dave says new owners could have a pool beyond the covered outdoor entertaining area or use the sloping contour on the eastern side to build an infinity pool that would be backdropped by the estuary.
Dave says they liked this piece of land because of its views and because it had mature trees from the old homestead on it. The Baldwins have removed pines and willows but planted thousands of natives, including manuka, cabbage trees, flaxes and kowhai, to encourage native birds.
The property has access to the estuary, which Dave says is a great spot for kayaking.
In Balinese style, the solid plaster home has been arranged in "pods", the central one the gable-roofed kitchen/living room. Like the rest of the home this has a light, open feel due to extensive glazing. Doors open from here to a sheltered, north-facing outdoor area covered by electrically operated louvres.
With Kay's input, the kitchen is a picture of symmetry, clean lines and functionality. "I wanted it streamlined with no handles sticking out," she says.
Off the living area is a lounge with a double gas fire set in a dark lava stone surround with basalt hearth. The main living area opens to a deck overlooking the estuary and lawns.
The master suite to the west of the main pod has an en suite with a semi-outdoor shower. On the other side of this is a water feature with a volcanic rock sculpture. The main bathroom also looks out to this water feature. Beyond it are two bedrooms with a separate entrance to this wing for late-night arrivals.
Image 1 of 9: 164 Lennon Access Road, Stillwater. Photo / Ted Baghurst
Past the main entrance, which has another sheltered courtyard and water feature, is a home theatre and office that could be another bedroom. Further down the hall is a full laundry, a guest toilet and Kay's therapy room where she helps clients with their health and nutrition.
"We both work from home because we have crafted such a beautiful environment," she says.
Above the attached garage is yet another room.
With one of their two sons living in Australia, Dave and Kay are selling to buy something smaller here and across The Ditch. As Dave says, "We want to have one foot in Aussie and one foot here."
