Art deco elegance

These homeowners have beautifully rejuvenated the bold art deco features in their Hamilton South home, adding spaces in a graceful, modern interpretation that is all their own.

Tony and Colleen had already been living in the area for several years when an adjacent single level home came onto the market 25 years ago.

Rather than see it knocked down and replaced with townhouses, they took the longterm view. They decided to buy, hold and rent it out, with plans to eventually move in once their children had left the nest.

Built in the 1920s, it boasted extensive, if somewhat neglected art deco features.

Several homes on the street are believed to have been constructed by the same builder around the same time, most likely for BHP executives. They all share an enviable northeastern aspect “This block is quite unique in the area as it is approximately 5 metres wider than most,” Colleen shared.

“At some point, the house had been converted into two separate flats, but by the time we bought it, it was once again a single family home.

”When they finally got started, it was a renovation project that had been a long time coming. “I had been thinking about this for 25 years,” she confessed. Even the link to their builders, BRW Constructions, goes back almost a quarter of a century.

“25 years ago, a friend of mine did a renovation with them and was extremely happy with their work.

“We have done quite a few extensions in the past with other builders. But the team from BRW were exceptional. All their trades were great, they were polite and helpful, nothing was ever too much.”

Construction manager and BRW director Tim Wood said, “there was a lot of structural work in this project. The only access to the backyard was through the home which presented a bit of a challenge.

“We loved that Tony and Colleen were living next door. It made communication easy and seamless. It’s great to see how happy they are with their new home.

That’s what makes us happy too.”

Read more about this stunning home in our Summer Edition of Hunter & Coastal Lifestyle Magazine or subscribe here.

Story by Cornelia Schulze, photography by Katie Wade