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Meet and greet: Haydn (accountant) and Lena Lloyd (teacher aide), and daughters Lucia, 14, and Isla, 12.
The property: Mount Maunganui bungalow with two-storey extension at the back.
When Lena and Haydn Lloyd stumbled upon their dream home – a rare characterful bungalow in Mount Maunganui on a full-site property – they couldn’t imagine a better place to raise their family.
They’d grown up in the area, with Haydn from Pāpāmoa and Lena from Tauranga. Surrounded by family and just a stone’s throw from the beach, the Lloyds couldn’t have found a more idyllic spot so close to shopping centres, cafes, a primary school and the beach.
Dream big, renovate smart
They embraced its heritage quirks but knew one day they’d renovate it for modern living while keeping its character. It had originally been built in Tauranga’s CBD, but relocated to its current spot in the 1950s when the area was still surrounded by farmland.
They chose to live in the house for more than a decade, allowing time to develop a clear vision with expert guidance. After 12 years of dreaming and planning, their renovation journey began last year. The first step was replacing the old timber joinery with double-glazed aluminium windows to prioritise warmth and energy efficiency. Next came a striking, modern extension that transformed the rear of the house, opening up into a spacious outdoor area.
The renovation
Renovating an older home can feel overwhelming, but for Lena and Haydn, the process was effortless thanks to a seamless collaboration. “We had a trusted team,” they say. “An old friend from Bold Build and Jason from Cannon Architects made everything smooth and enjoyable.”
While living in the original house, the couple sketched out rough plans to remove the rear of the home and create a large, open-plan kitchen and living area that would flow out onto the deck. Upstairs, they wanted a new main bedroom with ensuite, as well as a spare bedroom and a home office, which has since become the kids’ art and crafts room. The result? A flawless transformation that perfectly captured their dream.
From the street front, the home has maintained its charm with the original facade with a classic roofed porch framed by neat box hedging. Beyond this, the contrast is striking with a modern extension, tucked behind like a sleek shadow, mirroring the original roofline in bold black corrugated aluminium, offering a contemporary twist.
The layout
Stepping inside, you’re greeted by soaring high ceilings and a clear sightline down the hallway that extends to the very back of the house, where the new addition seamlessly integrates with the old.
The hallway guides you past the original bedrooms and lounge, where the timeless beauty of mataī flooring gives way to soft cork underfoot, marking the transition into the modern extension. This open-plan space, encompassing the kitchen, dining, and living areas, is the heart of the home, complete with a cosy fireplace. An eye-catching retro arcade game also holds pride of place here.
The outdated, cramped original kitchen has been replaced with a spacious, functional layout that blends modern design with elements of the home’s history. Rich, dark-toned American oak timber veneer complements the original timber floors and doors, while sleek stainless steel benchtops and a white stone splashback tie the kitchen together. The large island, long bench seats and dining table are perfect for family gatherings, designed with both everyday living and entertaining in mind.
A black spotlight rail over the kitchen island adds a subtle, modern touch, while a cosy nook by the oversized window invites you to curl up with a book as the sun floods the space –“it’s the perfect spot to relax and unwind”.
To connect indoor and outdoor spaces, the Lloyds invested in a large stacker sliding door that opens onto the deck. “It was a big ticket item, but totally worth it.” Large windows throughout, flood the home with natural light, creating suntraps throughout the day.
The retreat
A favourite space is the main bedroom wing, connected to the back of the kitchen by a stunning black staircase. This retreat offers the couple a peaceful oasis, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing views of the garden. The space is painted in Dulux Half Haast, a warm beige that adds subtle elegance. “I love opening the curtains to reveal the large tree in our garden,” says Lena.
Designed with both style and practicality in mind, this space includes his and hers wardrobes, ensuring everything stays organised and clutter-free. The upstairs also houses a cosy office and art studio, enjoyed by both adults and kids.
The home’s unique finishes don’t stop there. “We get so many compliments on our powder room and ensuite,” Lena notes. “We used microcement on the walls and ceilings instead of traditional tiles, which gives it a distinctive, modern look.
“As a couple we were on the same page with most of the styling. We seem to just like what we like so everything came together fairly easily,” says Lena.
Lena’s knack for op-shopping and finding unique Marketplace treasures shines through in the home’s decor. Both sentimental and intriguing pieces are on display, ensuring personality is at the forefront.
The result
The Lloyds couldn’t be happier with their home’s seamless blend of old and new. “We love having the best of both worlds,” says Lena. “We’ve kept the original character but gained a stunning modern addition.” With the couple’s daughters growing quickly, the extra space has been a real treat – not to mention finally enjoying a warm, sun-filled home.
“The sun rises at the front and moves to the back, creating different suntraps throughout the day,” she adds. Their home is a testament to thoughtful renovation, perfectly balancing heritage charm with contemporary functionality for family life.
What’s more they enjoyed the renovation journey – a rarity for many home renovators. “We expected challenges, especially given the age of the house, but overall, the process was surprisingly stress-free,” says Lena.
Shop Haydn and Lena’s Mount Maunganui bungalow style
See more images of the Mount Maunganui bungalow below
Where the mataī floors finish and the cork flooring begins marks the transition from bungalow to new extension.
The new contemporary extension at the back mirrors the bungalow’s original roofline in black corrugated aluminium. “I love opening the curtains to reveal the tall tree in our garden,” says Lena.
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