Change for the better - Westpac helps fund major home renovation in Queenstown

It is often said that location is the first, second and third priority when you are looking for a home. The owners of this country property would agree the home in Dalefield, Queenstown sits amid the picturesque splendour of the Remarkables mountain range.

But, according to one of the owners, that was about all that appealed. The interior layout was awkward and the house was difficult to heat.

"There was a reasonable floor area, but only two usable bedrooms," she says. "Although it was in the perfect location, the house was not very user friendly."

The solution involved an extensive renovation, built by Edge Construction, which added an extra 70m² to the home. The addition features a high-pitched roof that echoes the form of the fractured peaks of the mountain range beyond. A new family living room and kitchen are accommodated within the new wing, and an office was provided on the upper level.

"We also changed the flooring right throughout the home and completely repainted the interior in fact the house is unrecognisable," says the owner.

The renovation ensured the home is well situated for the sun and views. The owners and interior designer Carmen Hubber of Carmen Hubber Interior Design also gave a lot of attention to the new kitchen and bathrooms. The kitchen features dark timber veneer cabinets and stainless steel benchtops. To enhance the connection between inside and out, a colourbacked glass splashback is painted in Resene Pacifika, a bold green that echoes the colours in the countryside.

The main bathroom is also dramatic, with a freestanding tub and black-and-white colour palette. White marble-look porcelain tiles are teamed with polished black mosaics on the shower wall.

The owners, who have been Westpac customers for seven years, already had a Westpac home loan. They met with a local consultant and worked out a budget for the renovation, topping up the existing loan, which is on a floating interest rate.

"Westpac was very helpful, making the whole thing possible," they say.

Westpac offers a number of options for funding renovation projects. If you have an existing home loan, you could apply for a top-up to extend the credit limit, as this couple did.

To discuss your options and for more details, visit your local Westpac branch or phone 0800 177 277. Or visit the website: www.westpac.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas