A ‘picture perfect’ coastal property, at Normanby eight kilometres south of Timaru is for sale.

Lyz Palmer of PGG Wrightson Real Estate, Timaru is marketing the home, situated on a 4000 square metre site, on behalf of Ann and Martin Bosman. Since the Bosmans bought it in 2004, they have undertaken extensive renovations, as Ann explains.

“It wasn’t much to start with, just a little old cottage, originally built in 1910. We purchased it from an elderly couple that lived here for many years. Back then it was canary yellow and green. 

“We have lived in and done up old houses before, so were ready for this one. We took all the walls off, stripped it back and refurbished everything. Now the old part of the cottage is under a new shell, back to the look and feel of its original era, though with the benefit of modern conveniences and comfort such as insulation and heating.

“As well as renovating the original ceilings and kauri doors, we used recycled timber from many different sources, including rimu skirting boards and an old hardwood floor that we think came out of a local Pleasant Point school,” she says.

Aside from some external building assistance with the initial work, Ann and Martin have undertaken the rest of the project themselves, including Ann making all the leadlights. As well as refurbishing the original cottage, they added an extension, completed in 2011.

Lyz says the result is a meticulously handcrafted ‘masterpiece’ of renovation.

“This outstanding home offers an invitation to fall in love with its quality workmanship, immaculate garden setting and postcard sea views. Ann and Martin’s attention to detail is perfection personified, coupled with meticulous maintenance resulting in the complete package, with a new roof, superior insulation, easy care gardens and a shed for every project. 

“A generous open plan living area highlights the timber beams and flooring, cleverly showcasing the exterior bricks inside, and featuring a kitchen crafted from redwood and granite.

“Outside the carefully planned garden features manicured hedges and lawns, with paths leading to outdoor ‘rooms,’ providing opportunities to relax and enjoy views of the ocean, reef and lagoon. On the functional side, the hot house and vege beds are bountiful enough to provide a high degree of self-sufficiency, while a large workshop features an east facing picture window, and the sunny artist studio is set beside the southern courtyard,” says Lyz. 

With a double carport attached to a tandem garage, the property is offered for sale at $1.295 million. 

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