This beautiful, yet robust, family home in Nelson is built for maximum sun, catching rays all day long from its lofty spot
Meet + greet
Brooke Strang, 37 (owner and fashion designer for Wanoa Four), Andrew Strang, 40 (businessman), Milahn, 10, Harlin, 7, and Lenox, 4, plus puppy Koura.
Honesty box
Best lesson learned during the build? Brooke: Don’t get your heart set on a moving-in date.
What would you never do again? Move in before the house was 100 percent finished.
What’s your favourite spot in the home? The sunniest corner of our living room, staring out at the expansive views. I can truly unwind, watch the weather roll in and see the changing tides.
Something you discovered about yourself along the way? That we work well as a team and actually agreed on a lot of big decisions with ease. Something we thought was going to be daunting turned out to be something we loved getting stuck into.
Top styling tips? Make a Pinterest board for inspiration but don’t expect everything to be readily available. And try not to go too texture-crazy – I stick to two or three distinct textures in a room.
Budget
Any splurges? Nothing beats the natural warmth and charm of real wooden flooring and this was the one interior decision we didn’t want to compromise on.
Savings? Andrew lent a hand tiling our bathrooms. We also saved on landscaping. Andrew and I, along with our lovely family members, all got to work turning the uneven mud pit into a flat lawn. My brother-in-law (a builder) and my father whipped us into shape and barely let us stop for a coffee!
See more of the Nelson new-build below
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The coppery glass splashback adds glitz and ties in with other earthy elements (such as the large print by Sasha Mariana, opposite and below). “We love the way it catches the light and throws out different tones and textures,” says Brooke.
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Harlin’s cute bed and round table came from Mocka.
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Lenox’s drawers are vintage.
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In the bathroom the same floor tile was continued on the wall, creating a frame for the view over Nelson and Tahunanui Beach; all the tiles were from Carpet Court, as was the solid wood Imperio flooring in pure oak used throughout.
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Built into a hill, the home has views right across Nelson to the sea and surrounding hills, yet is only a five-minute drive from town.
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Floor plan.
Contacts & shops
Architect Aaron Walton Architecture & Design, 021 753 494.
Builder Lachlan Banks, Manuka Homes
Building panels Potius Building Systems
Interior design Brooke Strang, Nelson Design Interiors, @design_interiors.
Plumber Allen Plumbing
Kitchen Cooper Webley
Flowers The Greenery Florist
Lights Mr Ralph, Lighting Direct
Photography by: Daniel Allen.
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