Quick tour: A rural Christchurch home has undergone a rustic transformation

It was a Cinderella story for this simple brick country house, with owner Angelique Armstrong reinventing rural living.

You wouldn’t recognize the original house beneath this spectacular renovation in the countryside near Christchurch.

The existing farmhouse was overgrown with trees and rats, says its owner, interior designer Angelique Armstrong. Just a small, old-fashioned red brick farmhouse served as a simple dwelling.

“Now all that remains of the structure is the masonry, which has been bagged and whitewashed, some internal framing – and the roof,” says Armstrong, of Armstrong Interiors.

It has been transformed into a charming rustic farmhouse – with the old house still running through the middle.

Armstrong worked with Figure and Ground architectural designer Simon Johnson and Gregg Architectural Builders to transform this rural farmhouse on 22 hectares outside Ōtautahi into a simple, relaxed family farm.

“Our approach to design was to create a sanctuary – an expression of our personality and passions. »

The project included the expansion of the living room and the addition of an oversized double garage, a locker room, a swimming pool and a pool house equipped with a sauna and a gym.

“Essentially, for the project, we wanted to follow a design philosophy that whispers rather than screams luxury,” she says.

The rustic beams in the living room and around the entrances to the farm come from France.

The new casual fire lounge has gabled ceilings and large windows, timber ceilings and a central Mooi light.

To achieve farmhouse warmth, Armstrong used Ralph Lauren cushions and a wool throw. A fireplace mantel above the fireplace is made from a combination of marble tiles and large sandstone tiles.

Bespoke furniture includes a marble-topped dining table. In the kitchen, a large island topped with Calacatta Macchia Vecchia marble is the feature of the home, providing seating and a separate breakfast bar.

On the north side of the large renovated barn is an art studio and sports bar, with bi-fold windows opening to the sun and farmland of Hereford cows grazing peacefully nearby.

Armstrong says: “In the past, large macrocarpa windbreaks blocked the light from the house and the view of the Southern Alps, but once removed we could enjoy light in all seasons.

“We saved a large oak and a large lime tree which we estimate to be 150 years old – they are truly special. It was important that we paid homage to these trees and showcased them around the new extensions.

Armstrong also planned new landscaping around the lounge and pool, extending out to the gardens.

The house was announced this month as the winning renovation of the 2024 Trends International Design Awards (TIDA).

Interior design / Angélique Armstrong, Armstrong Interiors

Architectural design / Simon Johnson, Figure and ground

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