1950s Beach House Renovation: Bruce & Franny’s Complete Transformation
Imagine going to the same beach house every summer since you were three years old! Then… 70 years later, turning it into your dream home. Well friends, that’s exactly what Bruce and Franny did…..
Not Just a Renovation
Their place up above Maketu Beach isn’t just a house. It’s where Franny grew up spending summers with her family. It’s where back in the day multiple generations squeezed into one big open room. It’s where memories were made. The kind that stick around for a lifetime.
Now in their 70s, Bruce and Franny wanted to bring their old bach back to life. Not to modernise it beyond recognition, but to preserve the feeling, the charm, and the family legacy for their kids and grandkids to keep enjoying for years to come. This home is a not just any house, it’s a place to belong.
A Full Rebuild With the Old Heart Still Beating
We took it right back to the bones. Re-piled, re-cladded, re-insulated, re-roofed- no stone was left un-turned! We extended the house to add a new ensuite and walk-in wardrobe, and reworked the layout of the laundry and main bathroom to make it all flow better. Every inch was touched, but true to Bruce & Franny’s wishes- the essence stayed the same.
The front porch is still there. That’s the spot where Franny’s dad once told Bruce; “I want this house to stay in the family.” And from that moment - Bruce knew, he wanted that too.
More Than Just a Job
Like a lot of our projects, this one turned into more than just a reno. I (Amy) spent hours on the phone with Bruce over the course of the year. Not just talking about design choices, their wishes, and decision making,, but also chatting about life, investments, travel, and the big picture! Bruce and Franny became more than clients. They became friends. Often now joining us for a cup of tea, with our screaming rugrats in tow.
This is the kind of work that hits us straight in the heart…. The kind of project that reminds us why we started a building company in the first place.
A Home for the Next Generation
Today, their bach is beautiful, warmer, and more functional. But still unmistakably the family beach house. Ready for the next chapter. Ready for more memories. We didnt enter it into any competitions, we dont have a bragging rights, but it remains one of those very special stories in or hearts and minds- and a renovation we’re proud to share with you.
Got a home that needs a full makeover? Want someone that you can trust? Maybe a bach that means something special to your family?
We’d love to help you bring it back to life, call Amy on 0211141544 or email amy@seamlessbuilders.co.nz to book a no obligation, and totally free consultation. Let’s see if we can work together!
