Ros McKenzie hadn’t even driven all the way up the driveway when she realised she’d fallen in love.
She and husband Craig had been alerted to the New Plymouth arts and crafts home where their good friend, interior and landscape designer Michael (Mike) Mansvelt, had designed the garden. Mike knew the owners were keen to sell privately, just as he’d anticipated how much Ros and Craig would appreciate its historically important architecture.
“We call him the house whisperer,” laughs Ros.
The couple and their two children lived in the house for several years, enjoying the renovation and extension the previous owners had done, along with Mike’s beautiful landscaping. That gave them the time to think about the changes they wanted to make – and to save and plan – before embarking on the home’s next phase.
“I was so grateful to be living in such an incredible property,” says Ros. “We didn’t take it for granted and I think we felt a sense of not wanting to touch it too much.”
The eye has to travel
Eventually, however, while they loved the layout and the “substantial” quality of the home, its beige and white walls didn’t satisfy Ros’ preference for colour.
“I don’t like things to be too matchy-matchy,” says Ros, who typically dresses in colour as well. “I like things that are unusual, where you can’t necessarily pick where they came from.”
