Anne and Len had always dreamed of retiring to their Snells Beach bach, but turning it into a home that fully captured the views and supported their lifestyle felt daunting. Their original plan was to build up, but after a site visit, our director Alvin and designer Blair spotted a smarter, more practical approach.
Instead of a costly rebuild that could have added $100,000 and forced them to choose between key elements like a spacious ensuite, fully waterproofed deck, and replacement joinery, we lifted the home and built a basement underneath. This solution maximised the section, kept the beach views front and centre, and created a highly functional ground level, including a garage with a ceiling high enough for Len to drive straight in after a busy day surfing. Not something he would have had with the original plan, but a big silver lining he has appreciated every day since.
Because of the scale of the project, Anne and Len stayed at their other property in Takanini while we managed everything. Weekly progress updates and access to our project management system kept them fully informed, letting them follow the journey without dealing with the dust and disruption. Trips up to the beach to check progress were an exciting highlight, and we all enjoyed admiring progress in the sunshine.
Every step, from framing the new ground floor to the final touches of joinery, waterproofing, and paint, was carefully planned to ensure quality, efficiency, and minimal disruption. The transformation was seamless.
The result? Two levels of indoor-outdoor flow, a master suite with unbeatable beach views, an art room, and a double garage. Comfortable, functional, and perfectly tailored to their lifestyle, it is a home built to enjoy.
One of our favourite parts of the extension is the outdoor living. The upper-level deck spans the front of the home, giving Len the perfect spot for his morning coffee with surf views, while durable Palisade weatherboard and brick keep maintenance minimal. The ultimate goal was to create a property where Anne and Len could enjoy every space, the views, and each other’s company without the hassle of maintenance on the few sunny days we are lucky enough to get.
Anne and Len were so pleased that they have since returned to us for further work, a kitchen renovation for their rental property.
If you’re planning a large or complex renovation, our team can help bring your dream home to life, stress-free, functional, and exactly how you imagined. Get in touch and let’s start the conversation.
