selected greenery in the raised garden that surrounds the whole area. A winding flower and vegetable garden has been added where it used to be a lawn, giving Neil, who is fond of cooking, easy access to fresh herbs right outside the kitchen door. “We’ve certainly learned that everything in Tauranga grows instantly – its gone berserk!” says Susan. The bedroom and bathroom area are tidily concealed from the living room by a hallway. A compact European-style laundry has been added for ease of access so the pair don’t have to walk up and down the stairs to access the washing, complete with a condenser drier which extracts all the water so that steam isn’t an issue in the small room. A quaint, spacious guest bedroom features both a wardrobe and an extra-deep linen cupboard. “Storage space is really important. I like to have everything stowed away,” says Susan. Across the hallway is a modern bathroom, which has been designed for access and to maximise the space. The bathroom features a walk-in rain shower and is decorated with a tile that has a raw concrete aesthetic that complements the oak-coloured cabinetry. At the end of the hall is a spacious French-inspired master bedroom, complete with a huge walk-in wardrobe. The room has windows on all three external walls, giving plenty of natural light and all-day sunshine. The walk-in wardrobe provides ample space for all their personal belongings. While they had a budget they extended three times, Neil and Susan are extremely pleased with the home they have created. “We’ve future-proofed it and made it ours”. 48
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myspace Issue 4