It’s been a while since A-frame homes were all the rage. While they were everywhere in the 1970s and ’80s, these distinctive abodes have since been thought of (by some) as C-list real estate. However, photographers Rachel and Jared Dobbs have an eye for a bargain and, while hunting for a second home that could also supply an Airbnb income, the Mt Maunganui couple were delighted to discover a classic A-frame by the beach at Papamoa in the Bay of Plenty.
“We love A-frames, we wanted to be close to the beach and we like Papamoa,” says Rachel. “The house is super-quirky and authentic, and we felt instantly nostalgic when we went inside. It reminded me of the bach we used to go to sometimes when I was a kid.”
After baulking when the real-estate agent suggested they tear it down, the pair purchased the home and began planning how they would bring it up to date.
They opted for a balanced approach that would retain the building’s retro, Kiwiana feel while bringing it up to a modern standard. As well as replacing the roof and windows, they spent a big chunk of the budget on landscaping. They had a deck built over the old-fashioned front garden and lawn laid all the way to the fence, while a breeze-block wall was added at the side.
“As the renovation progressed, we realised how much we valued the uniqueness of the house, so we wanted to stay true to its design while giving it a new lease of life,” says Rachel.
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Denne historien er fra January 2020-utgaven av Your Home and Garden.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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GET MERRY
Everyone will go crackers about these festive dinner favourites and the delicious trimmings
A brief history of...The Lips sofa
How to straighten up and free yourself from negative behaviour patterns
BREAKING BAD HABITS
How to straighten up and free yourself from negative behaviour patterns
MOMENTS of JOY
Sue Pat's whimsical stationery cleverly captures the wonders of Christmas
GIFTS of the EARTH
An excerpt from garden and interior designer Michael Mansvelt's longawaited book Everyday Opulence
All WHITE NOW
A fresh, coastal take on the classic white Christmas starts with a backdrop of relaxed vintage style. On top, layer shades of white from rich cream to crisp snow, offset by foraged shells and coastal flora also spray painted in white, then worked into wreaths and other essential festive decor elements.
COASTAL CHRISTMAS
A writer is all about enjoying a cruisy, coastal celebration with family and friends
Happy place
A shed on the garden's edge became healing renovation project
ALL IS BRIGHT
Colour is key in Kip&Co co-founder Alex McCabe's vibrant home over the holidays
BOLD & ECLECTIC
In an excerpt from The Makers, writer Pandora Sykes' home is a cosy and chic statement in fearlessness with colour and patterns