Middle Boambee Residence
Single Residence | Renovation
Completed - 2000
Ann's clients had been renting this Middle Boambee residence for many years as interim accommodation while searching for their dream home in Coffs Harbour. Ultimately their search proved fruitless, and over time they became very fond of their peaceful semi-rural location, though the residence was sorely in need of improvement.
The existing house- a large version of a settlers cottage, was poorly planned with a disjointed layout and outdated, gloomy interiors.
Ann's brief was to design alterations and additions to transform the settlers cottage into a luxurious rural residence and incorporate a large home office:
"My first task was to create the office out of, and extend, the existing garage. A grand curved entrance driveway was planned, culminating in a generous portico. I established a theme early on of double columns which responded to the client's need for a classic presentation. I also had a brief for a six car garage, which could have been gargantuan. Instead I designed a garage with three smaller doors, each columned and carolling the other vehicles at the rear.
Business was expanding for my clients and they soon needed to upgrade the residence to allow for a large scale entertainment area. We took the opportunity to completely refurbish and renovate the house.
I created a classically centered entry hall and long room for entertaining, and a terrace which addressed the now magnificent gardens. We created a beautiful kitchen and family room. Bedrooms and bathrooms were reformulated and garden en suite added. Magnificent timber floors were laid throughout and no expense was spared on the finishes.
I redesigned the pool area and a little garden "folly" from which the garden could be enjoyed. Other ancillary buildings, sheds, Monet bridge, wrought iron gates, were designed and built- all part of the master plan."
Any resemblance between the settlers cottage and the now elegant, light filled and understated executive residence is purely passing.
