Aaron and Deb Jamieson of AJ Design Architecture in Wanaka enjoy working together so much that they’ve now produced seven properties as a team. Aaron who’s an architectural designer, covers the overall design and Deb takes responsibility for the interiors.
“But actually, it’s all a joint effort,” she says. “Luckily, we both love the same sort of style!”
Aaron and Deb each come from a background in clothing design, and both have had their own successful labels and ranges – expressing a free and imaginative spirit.
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Warm plywood walls and ceilings,combine with timber floors for a welcoming Zen-inspired vibe. Photo / supplied
Their latest project at 26 Northburn Road Wanaka is being marketed by Sharon Donnelly, Bayleys, with a price on application
Aaron says that he gains much inspiration from Asian architecture and this particular property really does have a very zen-like feel about it, with extensive use of local materials such as schist and timber, and a very spare, yet welcoming vibe.
Deb explains that a great deal of thought and care goes into creating the couple’s quality homes and says that this one really does sit as one with its surroundings, so they feel that they really nailed it this time.
“It’s open plan with very high studs and the sun pours in, all-year-round,” Deb says.
The highly specced kitchen includes tiled accents and a hidden scullery to hid meal prep mess. Photo / supplied
“I just love all the gentle colours and the wonderful mix of textures that we’ve used.”
Aaron and Deb are especially fond of their main living space, wherein a dreamy sophisticated entertainer’s kitchen with stunning tiled accents has the added bonus of a scullery, to help keep food preparation and general storage out of sight.
“We’ve got a separate laundry too and apart from the appliances, that whole room is essentially a giant linen cupboard, which I just love!”
The house has four official bedrooms and the principal suite is as luxurious as you would expect, with a dreamy ensuite and enormous walk-in wardrobe.
Even the bedrooms get mountain views. Photo / supplied
One of three further bedrooms is the domain of Aaron and Deb’s teenage son. As an added bonus the house boasts a mezzanine level, which is currently home to a king-size bed.
“It’s very handy,” says Deb.
Outdoors, a well-established garden featuring mostly New Zealand natives is enhanced by extensive patio areas, making alfresco dining a breeze.
In a ‘but wait, there’s more,’ moment, Deb adds that a separate garage, built more recently than the house itself, also features a bedroom and bathroom.
“Until recently, the living part was rented out through Airbnb for about 330 nights a year. We just couldn’t believe how popular it was!”
She says that business has been coming back nicely.
The house has a guest suite that has been rented out successfully on Airbnb. Photo / supplied
Aaron and Deb have itchy feet again.
“We absolutely love it here, but we also love building and designing, whatever we do next will still be in the Wanaka region because we just love it here,” she says.
Sharon Donnelly of Bayleys, Wanaka says that properties of this quality rarely come to market the wow factor of this property is evident the moment you step into the open plan living area.
“It’s only about 2.5 kilometres from the lake edge, and close to town.
“There’s plenty of space for a family, including a mud-room for skis and snowboards.”'
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