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How this couple have created the perfect bach in Pauanui

Designed for a couple of empty nesters, this unique bach in Pauanui makes big family gatherings easy

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Meet and greet

Warren Drinkwater, general manager of HomeTech, and Christine Drinkwater.

How this couple have created the perfect bach in Pauanui

What compromises did you make in building your bach? 
Warren: “There was only one, which my wife reminds me about all the time. I only wanted two bathrooms to clean: one in the bunk room and one in the main house part way between the ground floor and our master bedroom upstairs. Christine would have preferred one at ground level and an ensuite – if the noise from her gets too much, I might have to make this happen!”

What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had there so far? 
“They’re all memorable and all good. We just love going there as much as we can. It’s a very relaxing place to go and chill out – we go down Friday night, come back Sunday, and feel like we’ve had three to five days away.”

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Budget

Any splurges? 
We spent a few bucks on the fireplace and the louvres over the outdoor dining table. But both of these items add to the liveability of the property and they’re also things we don’t have in our Auckland house so they give us a different experience.”

Warren’s building tips 

  • Engage a good architect who takes the time to understand what you want.
  • Once you have their design, stick to it.
  • Find a great builder. It’s the only way to have an almost stress-free build.

The Drinkwaters (pictured here are Christine with daughter Jenna and grandson Oliver) love the entire kitchen, dining and family area: “It’s a beautiful place to chill out.” Above The family use the lounge on the other side of the house to retreat from the sun on hot days.

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Go for double duty where possible: these window seats have been designed to be used as spare beds when necessary.

Their architect suggested the couple stick with a monochromatic colour scheme but an accent colour of sunshine yellow lends a more beachy vibe to the bach.

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Rather than playing it safe, the couple went for a bold choice of bathroom floor tile, which gives the rooms a luxe feel.

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The black Shadowclad – which gives the appearance of board and batten – makes a real impact and lends character to the simple shapes.

The fire pit makes for a great social area, all year round.

The Locarno roofing that runs over the outdoor dining table has adjustable louvres so the family can let the sun in or shelter from the rain.

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Floor plan.

Words by: Debbie Harrison. Photography by: Vanessa and Michael Lewis.

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