The transformation of a rundown Waikanae bach into a relaxed, chic abode has been a thing of joy for this Wellingtonian family
The transformation of this leaky Waikanae bach was a labour of love
The first summer Rach Annett spent in her Waikanae bach was a tad overwhelming. The ceilings leaked, the walls filled with water and the whole place was pretty basic.
They thought they’d made a mistake but fortunately, the positives outweighed the negatives: Rach and husband Tristan could see the potential of the two-bedroom holiday home they’d bought in November 2013, plus they loved its location, close to the beach and a 45-minute drive from their Wellington apartment.
The problem
- There were major leaks in the roof.
- There was just one bathroom (including the sole toilet), which could only be accessed through Rach and Tristan’s bedroom.
- The bach was dark and felt cramped.
The solution
- The roof was replaced and the couple also took the opportunity to replace all the ceilings at the same time.
- A toilet was installed next to the kitchen, and the bathroom was turned into an ensuite. (Later, a family bathroom – along with a family room and laundry – was added when the new addition was built.)
- Surrounding trees and hedges were cut down, allowing natural light to come in. Also, French doors took the place of windows in the main bedroom, and a large bifold window was installed in the kitchen, making the space feel twice as big.
Q&A with builder Mike Stewart of Moana Construction
How long were you involved with Rach and Tristan’s renovation?
I met them in early 2014 when Rach came into my partner Anna’s flower shop. Stage one of the renovation started shortly afterwards, with the second stage finishing at the end of 2015. Rach and Tristan have now become good friends.
What were the main challenges you faced on this project?
Timelines with the new build, mainly due to consent issues which delayed our start. Unfortunately, Christmas holidays can’t get put back, so it got a bit hectic. Poor Todd (Wagner), the landscaper, had to work some magic with the grass and landscaping but we got there in the end.
What part of the project are you most proud of?
The end result. Rach and Tris had a party for the team and families at the end, and it’s great to see projects when the clients have moved in. Playing cricket on the lawn and seeing how the buildings complemented each other made it all worthwhile.
Wellington landscaper Todd Wagner, of Groundbreakers Landscaping, was called in to help tidy up the mess created by the building process.
When it came to decorating, Rach was in her element. With a belief that beach houses don’t have to feature nautical themes, Rach mixed it up.
A tiny window and corrugated-iron splashback above the kitchen sink were removed and replaced with a larger window and a pretty, white-tiled ledge.
When it came to decorating, Rach was in her element. With a belief that beach houses don’t have to feature nautical themes, Rach mixed it up.
The bunks in Jack and Will’s room came with the bach, but the space has been given a new ceiling and paint job.
When it came to decorating, Rach was in her element. With an elegant chandelier and gorgeous bold wallpaper in the master bedroom.
French doors took the place of windows in the main bedroom.
“So we added a toilet next to the kitchen and then set about turning the old bathroom into a relaxing, white-washed ensuite,” says Rach.
The addition of a much-needed toilet was also part of phase one.
Previously, the sole bathroom was only accessible via the master bedroom.
A friend introduced her to Michael Nalder, an antiques dealer and interior designer and the spoils of that shopping trip now fill their bach and include the vintage daybed in the family room, which is perfectly positioned to catch the afternoon sun.
The concrete-floored family room with pool table and daybed is the perfect hangout for Jack and Will.
When it came to decorating Rachel was in her element. With a belief that beach houses don’t have to feature nautical themes, Rachel mixed it up.
Wellington landscaper Todd Wagner laid lawns and removed a large macrocarpa hedge which blocked light to the property.
The family love their ‘home away from home’ and get so much enjoyment from it, making the short drive from the capital most weekends, while in summer the place is jam-packed with visitors.
Another major addition was a 20-square-metre cottage, which was largely constructed from materials discarded in the bach renovation (including the windows taken from the master bedroom when French doors were installed).
The final piece in the renovation jigsaw was the double garage and workshop, where Tristan can painstakingly restore his grandfather’s 1950s mahogany boat.
Although the cottage is a compact space, Rach has managed to fit in a double bed and bathroom and it’s now a firm favourite with both her parents and in-laws when they come to stay.
The family is still renting in Wellington so they’ve really enjoyed putting their stamp on this beach house.
Words by: Sharon Stephenson. Photography by: Nicola Edmonds.
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