The Blue Bach

HOUSE + GARDEN
Leanne and Brent Mirfin
22 Rue Balguerie, Akaroa
(up a back driveway, please park on the street)

Purchased in 2017, the location is what drew us to this property.  A real Kiwi bach with a 1950s feel. The garden had a silk tree, a grapefruit tree and a flowering cherry tree with beautiful blossom in late spring, with just grass on a sloping section. The interior was very basic but we loved it.  However, it was very hot in summer and cold in winter with no insulation and single glazing.
Three years ago we started the interior renovation, including a reroof and new insulation.  We kept the old bach and added a new kitchen/living room and an extra bedroom.  New bathrooms and laundry were added, and the old sleep out was kept but renovated.  This year we started the garden renovation, with hard features of Corten and stone to define spaces. In contrast, feature planting of Muehlenbeckia and buxus will be shaped over time, and Kaizuka trees will add flair to this playful Mid-Century escape.