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From farmhouse to farmstead

A modest rural brick abode expands into a light-filled farmstead complete with pool house and an interior fit-out that merges relaxed rustic with opulent

Interior design by Angelique Armstrong, Armstrong Interiors and architectural design by Simon Johnson, Figure and Ground

From the interior designer:

An extensive renovation of this 22ha rural farm outside Ōtautahi, a 1980s red brick house, transforms it into an understated, relaxed family homestead.

The existing farm had been overgrown and overrun with trees and rats, with just a small red brick farmhouse for a dwelling. 

I collaborated with Figure and Ground architectural designer Simon Johnson and Gregg Architectural Builders to create this modern reinvention. 

What remains of the original home is the brickwork (now bagged and whitewashed), some internal framing and the basic roofing structure. 

The rest is created around this hub – with the old house running through the middle.  

The project included adding volume to the living room, as well as introducing an oversized double garage, mud room, pool and pool & gym house, equipped with sauna. 

Armstrong Interiors oversaw all aspects of the interiors.  


The approach to the design was to create a sanctuary – an expression of the owner's personality and passions. 

Essentially, we wanted to follow a design philosophy that whispers rather than screams luxury.

For example, the rustic beams in the lounge were sourced from France and were also used around farm entranceways. 

They tie effortlessly into the setting.

The new extension of the casual fire lounge – a room with gabled ceilings and expansive windows, has timber ceilings and a Mooi design centre light. 

Accompanying Ralf Laureen cushions and woollen throw to enhance the feeling of homestead.

The mantle above the fireplace is in a combination of marble tiles and sandstone natural large format tiles. 

The kitchen, complete with large 3m island boasting a Calacatta Macchia Vecchia honed marble top, is the feature of the home.

This includes seating and a separate bar area.

Built on the north side of the large renovated barn of 400m2 is an art studio and sports bar, with windows that bi fold back to enjoy the sun and farmland views with the paddocks of Herefords close by.

The landscaping outside the living and pool areas, along with the gardens of the home, were formed by Armstrong Interiors. 

Initially, large macrocarpa shelter belts blocked the light and the views of the Southern Alps. 

These have all been taken out so the owners can enjoy all the seasons of light across the property.

The land has a large oak tree and a large lime tree that we estimate to be 150 years old – that’s really special. 

So it was really important that we honoured those trees and made a feature of them around the new extensions.

Credit list

Builder
Gregg Builders
Kitchen manufacturer
Woodshack Joinery
Pool
Angelique Armstrong working with Mayfair Pools
Roof
Colorsteel FlaxPod, with Trapezoidal profile
Main flooring
Vida Space Flooring
Rugs
Cronz NZ; Morris and Co
Wallcoverings
Orange Tree, by Sanderson; Morrison and Co
General heating
Radiators
Control systems
Home Smart System
Dining table/chairs
Bespoke table, by Parsons Green; dining chairs by Montreux
Photographer
Hazel Redmond
Architectural designer
Kitchen designer
Armstrong Interiors
Landscape designer
Angelique Armstrong
Cladding
Bagged over brick; horizontal cedar battens with copper nails
Window/door joinery
Metro series, FlaxPod – by Hagley Aluminium
Bedroom flooring
Aviemore and Stonehenge, by Bremworth
Bathroom tiles
Marble tiles, from CDK Stone; subway and Italian tiles, from Italian Tile Ceramics
Paint
Dulux
Feature lighting
Mooi Design; Meshmatics; Soktas; Glass Lighting
Living area furniture
Belle Furniture; recovered furniture; Oak bespoke furniture, by Parsons Green
Awards
Trends International Design Awards (TIDA) Homes – Winner

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Story by: Trendsideas

01 Nov, 2025