A River Runs Through it

It took about three months for Deborah Bunyard to sell her husband David on the idea of turning a derelict petrol station into a holiday home. But once he “got it”, they were both firmly committed to an ambitious project that today sees a handsome building in a glorious position above the Waikato River – and not a petrol pump in sight. 

 

 

Deborah tells the story on the huge wooden deck of the house at Piarere, south of Cambridge. It faces south-west along a tranquil stretch of the river that is still part of Lake Karapiro and has virtually no current. The Bunyards can launch their boat immediately below their home – the perfect spot for the wakeboarding and water-skiing activities enjoyed by their teenagers Leighton, 18, and Alanah, 17.

 

It was the family’s shared interest in water sports that drew them to Karapiro more than four years ago, looking for a holiday place handy to their home near Hamilton. They love their unique situation so much they spend far more time at the river property than they initially imagined.

 

Deborah says that during the property search she kept noticing the old petrol station for sale, stretched across a skinny riverside site on State Highway One. Though it was shielded by a fence she knew it must face out to splendid water views. David didn’t even want to investigate but, his wife says, “When he catches the dream, he’s off on it 100 per cent”. And luckily that’s what happened.

 

It was to be an exciting and scary dream: the site did have spectacular views but the building was in very poor condition. The station had been closed for more than 10 years and, apart from a few attempts at new businesses, had largely been deserted. There was also soil testing to be done to ensure the environment was safe and the issue of road noise to address. With state highway traffic whisking past the front door, the building would need substantial fencing and soundproofing.

 

“We camped here the night after we bought it,” Deborah says, grinning. “It was full of rubbish and we could hear rats in the roof. We were excited but we also thought, ‘What are we doing?’. People said we were mad.”

 

Undeterred by rats, rubbish and road noise, the Bunyards embarked on a plan to rebuild and landscape the site. Auckland company Creative Arch did the design work and David took two years out from his job to work alongside builder David Stieller. The “two Daves” formed an excellent team and worked together on several other projects.

 

Although the new home mirrors the long, narrow footprint of the petrol station much of the old building was demolished to suit the new design and a guest wing was added. But there are still many reminders of its former life.

 

The distinctive Hinuera stone cladding has been retained on three corners of the house – a nice nod to local history since the Hinuera quarry is just down the road. The cavernous pit for servicing vehicles has become a very useful wine cellar accessed by a giant trapdoor in the living room. Huge tiles were laid over the concrete forecourt to form private north-facing courtyards and a stylish front entrance has been enhanced by ornamental pools and a waterfall.

 

These days, the Bunyards’ river retreat is buffered from highway noise by a 2.3m-high concrete block wall and double-glazed windows. At the core of the house is the river-facing living area, which comprises a conversation area with comfy leather couches, an eight-seater table in the dining area and a sleek modern kitchen.

 

Family bedrooms occupy one adjoining wing and there are rooms for guests or teenage activities in the other. Deborah chose taupe, black and red as her key colours and furnishing fabrics include leather, suede and silk. Painted walls and ceilings are in Resene’s restful grey ‘Pravda’ and the blinds, floor tiles and bedroom carpets tie in neatly.

 

The effect is a light and airy space that’s set off by soaring ceilings and vast banks of windows and glass doors, enabling the family to celebrate the river in all its moods and seasons. And, because of the home’s handy position on the highway, there are frequent visits from travelling friends and family.

 

The Bunyards have become entirely familiar with the busy life of the mighty Waikato. They love it on winter nights too, when they sit in the spa pool and watch the fog rolling down the river.

 

From the deck, Deborah points out a black swan cruising gracefully upstream. “You can waste a lot of time out here,” she comments. “You look at the river and forget everything else.’’