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How this striking weatherboard home achieved its modern barn style look

Article by Your Home and Garden

A large modern barn style home was exactly what a young family wanted – and got – when they built on their Manawatū farm

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Meet & greet

Jules (accountant) and Stu (farmer)Bradbury, Lexi and Ted.

The Design
Jules and Stu Bradbury had lived in the original ’70s farmhouse of their 24ha Feilding farm for seven years before deciding to build a new house for their family. They knew it would be their “only chance to build our dream home” and favoured a modern barn style, so enlisted architects PAK Design to help.

The resulting 452sqm home has two wings – one for children and guests, and the other for adults – plus four bedrooms, rumpus and office, as well as a kitchen and living area with a soaring pitched ceiling in the centre to bring everyone together.

The Materials
Because of the generous size of the house, the choice of exterior was very considered. In the end, Jules and Stu opted to go with two different widths of vertical Linea Oblique Weatherboard by James Hardie because they “wanted it to look a bit different,” explains Jules. The cladding also offers good wind protection, important for the area and is low maintenance.

The Interior
Jules set about addressing all of her ‘pet peeves’ from her previous home, ensuring details like built-in laundry baskets to avoid clutter was a priority. But there were big-ticket items they’re also pleased they selected such as the real oak flooring, quality fittings and tapware.

Installing a double-sided wood fireplace that separates the living and lounge has also paid off for the family, as sitting around the warm fire is a favourite pastime. Jules laughs that she aims for minimalism “but that’s not what you see!” They’re also thrilled with the bespoke Andrew J. Steel art in the playroom, as well as a few pieces dotted around the house.

The Outdoors
Sunseeker Jules was determined to have sliding doors out to the expansive decks around the house so they could enjoy all-day sun. They’ve installed a raised garden and opted for simple landscaping only because there’s not a lot of time for garden maintenance. “Think hedges and a few feature trees,” says Jules.

Besides, there’s plenty to look at without extensive landscaping. “It’s close to town but still feels rural and it has a great view of the Ruahine Ranges and expansive farmland in all directions,” says Jules.