380 Cambridge Road

Secluded Bethlehem Family Sanctuary

This enticingly individual home proves that a particular style can be interpreted to suit its surroundings and become a brilliant family environment - if executed with care and flair.

Interior designer, Antonia, had a clear vision of the home she wanted. She loved the look and the lifestyle afforded by the Cape Dutch homes that so fitted the big South African landscape. She thoroughly researched the architectural style, borrowed the features she loved - lofty peaked ceilings, tiled living areas, frame free timber doors bordering on rustic, huge pergolas above wide patios with multiple exterior doors - and drew on her own experience and expertise to express these in a way that worked for her family, and for the 3296 m2 site.

The result is a long strong home perfect for its elevated ridge situation. Rendered plaster exterior features add dimension and profile and impart a sense of welcoming permanence before you even step inside. The five year old home has settled exceptionally well into its grounds.

Huge plane trees that line the lane to this secluded property also camouflage and counterbalance the strength of the home, providing green protection in summer and admitting extra light in winter. Grasses soften big rocks on the rise up to the home, and lavender hedges surround lawns. Pleasing the eye has been a consciously considered factor. Open the double front doors to frame a large urn in a break in the hedge, water gurgling soothingly over it. Look across from the kitchen to the glint of the Wairoa river snaking in an S bend beyond the green rural outlook.

This is a home that continually references its surroundings. Deep bi fold doors line the lounge, dining room and sunroom. Italian porcelain tile floors merge with the weathered concrete of the patio. Attractive tall white shutters protect every door and window. Close these and you change your atmosphere immediately. Stone steps link areas that are slightly elevated, like the sunroom, and upper exterior doors. Antonia has substituted the traditional hallway for a glorious gallery that runs along above the living areas, links bedrooms and a large open office space and feels integral to the home.

The kitchen forms a galley in the gallery, situated socially above the big dining space which looks across the main foyer to the lounge.

As well as a master suite where sumptuous tasseled linen drapes cloak your windows in privacy and a lovely "girls" bedroom with a wide window seat for gossiping or reading, generously appointed accommodation above the garage will appeal to teens or guests.

The pool complex complete with summer house adds yet another gathering and entertaining option to a wonderful living environment designed to be used and enjoyed. This is an exceptional property, easy to admire, hard to emulate.