Open agenda

Taking advantage of the best features of a property is a fairly obvious concept. So, when a site has a truly panoramic view, the question is not what to feature, but how best it can be incorporated.

This lakeside apartment is one of a group of five. It looks out over the town and towards the surrounding hills and, to ensure as many rooms as possible are exposed to these expansive views, it has been designed over three levels.

Interior designer Jean Foster was asked by the owners to create an interior design that was different to the neighbouring apartments, and that would ensure it appealed to the high-end rental market.

"The owners visualised an interior design that would be durable, would not date quickly and would avoid giving the apartment a hotel-like feel," says Foster.

"To ensure the apartment is targeted at high-end renters, who may be visitors to the country or people who travel overseas regularly, we decided to create a sophisticated, international style. It couldn't look like a lodge, or be too minimalist, but instead it was important that guests immediately feel comfortable and at home," says the interior designer.

The layout is deliberately simple, to complement the view. The entire top level is one large open-plan space incorporating a lounge, dining area and kitchen.

"During the construction process, some fairly major alterations were made. We removed the original ceiling and raised it to sit just below the roof. Now, the living level seems much larger and more spacious," says Foster.

The staircase from the middle level arrives in the centre of the top floor. Gibbed balustrades on the original plans were replaced with glass, which also contributes to the sense of space.

On this level, three walls were painted in a warm shade of white to ensure they would not compete with the outlook. For the end wall and one wall of the staircase down to the next floor, Foster selected a slightly gritty, iridescent wall finish, Fresco. This, together with the fireplace, finished in a warm grey cement paint, creates a subtle second focal point for the room.

Soft, warm-toned grey tiles with a crackled eggshell finish provide a similarly neutral floor covering, and rugs help define particular areas within the open-plan space.

Foster has combined several pieces of contemporary and early classic furniture to add to the international character and individuality of the apartment.

The dining table, handcrafted in a French provincial style, is teamed with modernist reproduction Bertoia steel rod chairs. Predominantly white calfskin occasional chairs contrast with the dark blue-charcoal sofas, helping to anchor the seating area.

The kitchen is located to the rear of the top level, opening out to a sheltered, north-facing patio at the back of the property. Because of the open-plan layout, the cook can still enjoy the view across the living area to the lake.

"The kitchen is larger and better-appointed than many apartments, partly because the owners like to use it themselves when they stay. In addition, people renting these sorts of apartments tend to expect a full and functional kitchen."

Foster specified black for cabinetry, a radical move, she says, in an apartment predominantly designed for rental. To ensure it keeps looking good, the cabinetry is made from Colorati, a solid black board that doesn't show any chips or scratches.

The master bedroom and ensuite bathroom on the middle level have the same spectacular views. Placing a shoji screen between the bedroom and bathroom means the view can still be seen from the black mosaic-tiled bathtub. Or, if privacy is preferred, the screen can be pulled across.

A second bedroom, with a view to a side garden, a bathroom, laundry and storage are also located on this floor.

On the lowest level another large open-plan space enjoys the same view over the lake. This area has been set up as a separate, self-contained studio apartment. With its own access from the front door, it can be let separately or used by the owners when the upper levels of the apartment are occupied.

"While we have used the same colour scheme here as upstairs, we have taken a completely different approach to the furnishings. We have made the studio a more funky area with a 50s look. Formica tables and chairs, and bits and pieces from this era, bought from second-hand shops, give it a completely different, much more casual look," says the interior designer.

By moving a cupboard and one wall a few centimetres, Foster created enough space for a small alcove where the bed can be partially concealed from the living area.

The studio also contains a large store cupboard where the owners can lock up their ski gear and other personal items when they leave.

Story by: Mary Webb