Dream Home

This 1911 historic villa of 586m2 including heritage decks, was relocated from Palmerston North, and was moved over 500km in six parts to the edge of the Manukau Harbour. Prior to transport it had been used by squatters and had then sat vacant for an extended time. It was in very run-down condition and without modern heating. It had limited plumbing, wiring and insulation, a rough kitchen and no decent bathroom. The house movers did their best but after moving the house to its resting place, there were still gaping holes and wind rattling through. In fact, the wind sounded louder inside than it did outside. Most of the specialist finishing timbers, i.e. archway by the front door, were in bundles on the floor.

​

The owners decided to fully renovate, instead of spreading it out with decades of ongoing renovation. They were overseas when the bulk of the renovation was done, trusting Heineke Builders – Catherine, Chris and team to keep them fully informed on progress.

 

We used a combination of project management software and regular online meetings to keep up with the complex variety of extensions and alterations.

 

The owners’ goal was to seamlessly adjust the building so that the finished home looked 100% original.

 

The architect’s design and our team’s specialist skills blended the new and old beautifully.

 

The interior has been extensively remodelled, whilst enhancing the strength, and keeping the building’s character. The living areas and kitchen have been opened to create a wonderful flow suitable to cater for large gatherings. (The previous coal range would have struggled!)

 

The original six bedrooms upstairs were converted to four bedrooms and three ensuites. The original bathroom was modernised but retained most of the original fittings—the bath, vanity, the flushing chain and copper cistern toilet.

 

The back of the house was also remodelled, converting the original generator room into a self-contained bedsit. An extra veranda was added on the north-facing side, built to exactly replicate the existing verandas on the same storey.

 

The house is now fully insulated, with radiators providing excellent heating throughout the house. The opening up of rooms and installation of internal doors enables the owners to open up or close for intimate spaces as required. New exterior bifold doors give indoor-outdoor flow — a wonderful addition onto the decks which overlook coastal and rural views.