Eleven years ago, Claire and Alan Bywater left Christchurch behind for a new chapter in Nelson, drawn by the views, the light and the lifestyle they’d long dreamed about. What they found was a modern home perched above the city that quickly captured their hearts. Filled with collected treasures, handmade pieces and plenty of personality, their home is a warm and relaxed reflection of the life they’ve built together – shared with their beloved dogs, Bear and Baxter.
Photos: Tessa Claus
The story
Alan and I came to Nelson 11 years ago, having lived in Christchurch since 1998. We’re originally from the UK. We had long planned a move once both children finished school, and this was our favourite place. We missed the hubbub of family life, so we made a four-legged one with dogs, Bear and Baxter.
Having endured all the earthquakes, we were lucky to have our old villa in Woolston repaired by EQC. In late 2014, we came on a house-hunting weekend, and this was the very last house we looked at. You could say it was the wild card as we were only looking at old houses which offered renovation challenges. But the real estate photo showed this epic view looking down from the hill over Nelson and that was how a new build made the list. Stepping in, the view was even better in real life, and my heart immediately said yes. Alan is more measured, and we had reached Murchison on the way back before he said yes.
The house was built by Matt Ferguson of Ferguson Contracting, and every aspect was completed to the highest standard. We took a while to appreciate that this was now our home, it felt as if it was too good for us.
In four words
Modern, light-filled, homely and happy.
Inspiration
The style of our home has grown with us. Over 40 years, we’ve gathered items from a variety of places and Alan has made the bookshelves and coffee table.
He made a thin shelf for paintings which makes it easy to switch them around. Houses in the UK generally have smaller rooms and we both love the space we have here.
Decorating style
Mid-century modern is a shared background inspiration. We both like to do things ourselves and there’s always a list of projects on the go. I tend to come up with ideas and fortunately Alan mostly goes along with them. You could say it’s the key to a happy partnership. Dark colours ground the space and I think keep it homely and cosy. It could be a sterile glass box without the softening effects of colour and fabric.
Where we shop
Our sofas are from NOOD, but the orange chair was rescued from the roadside and renovated by Alan, then I covered it. Some things are from Trade Me or op shops. I think even if we won Lotto, we’d still want to do things up and recycle because it’s in the blood. I do the same with my clothes. However, splurging on a new bed would be very nice!
Favourite piece
If the house burned down and we lost everything, it would be the wooden bookshelves that I’d want to rescue. There are precious memories in the books, keepsakes and old-fashioned CDs. There’s a Lonely Planet guide for everywhere we’ve been and books my sister, who is a book binder, gave us.
Renovations
Only in the garden where Alan has made raised beds. We are on clay and it’s almost impossible to dig into.
Next on the interiors list
To finish the family photo walls downstairs in the hallway. We’ve done the early years down one side of the wall but need to continue along the other. It’s a good project for winter, but we’ve been saying that since Covid times.
Favourite spot
I’m torn between sitting on the stairs with the dogs or cosying up on the couch with the dogs. Wherever I can hang out with my faithful four-pawed friends is my favourite spot (sorry Alan). You’re a very close second.
If money was no object
I would probably hire a housekeeper. Imagine coming home to sparkling bathroom and kitchen.
Every home should have...
A warm welcome. Comfy seating so you can all relax and have a good conversation or watch something together. I love a bit of good TV, and I don’t try to hide the screen away to pretend otherwise.
Best budget tip
Learn to sew. Making cushions and curtains is all easier now with YouTube tutorials. In our Christchurch house we were very stretched financially when we moved in with two young children. I took the linings off the curtains I didn’t like and made Roman blinds out of them.
Tips on keeping it orderly
If you give me a table, I will cover it very quickly and move onto the next surface. However, the living area is also my workspace so I’m trying hard to improve as clutter doesn’t help my creative headspace. Every item in your house does need a designated place to live. Otherwise it just gets moved around and never put away. What works for me is to invite someone over. That makes me tidy up very quickly.
The neighbourhood
You only have to step out onto the road and there are views in every direction. The clouds make amazing patterns and I’ve been including them in paintings for quite a while. We are lucky to have some really nice, friendly neighbours.
Best memory
That would be when our adult children and partners come to stay. It’s rare to get us all together as they are based overseas, but when they do come, I love that they can relax here and we can all chill out.
