b'pictures: Paul McCrediebeforeIt took just a few thumbnails posted on an internet property site to convince Jason Hague-Smith hed found a house ripe for renovation.My sister had emailed me the all-important link, saysThey commissioned John Mills of John Mills Architects Jason, who immediately showed the pictures to his wife,to create the striking transformation they had in mind. Irene. Both the section and the house turned out to beJason, as a tradesman and owner of Paragon Fireplace just what we were looking forsheltered, with goodSpecialists, says hed seen a lot of John Mills architecture bones, character and great views of the Cook Strait andthrough his job, and admired both the designer and his Rimutaka ranges.style. And although Jason didnt know it atamboyant the time, Irene had also become a fan.WhilethepropertyislocatedinoneofWellingtons sought-after coastal suburbs, unbeknown to the couple aJohn came across as very good to deal with; intuitive, cyberspace glitch had helped eliminate competition fromreasonable and with a good eye, explains Jason. His other punters, and Jason and Irene were able to snaf eworkhadlife;itwasntboring.Itwasrelaxed,and the old weatherboard house at a fair price.capturedbothaKiwiandPaci cessence,something Irene and I wanted to incorporate in the design.No, we didnt go and look at it in hindsight, Irst guesswewereprettyimpulsive,laughsJason.ButAs well as a multi-cultural feel, the Hague-Smiths wanted a wed made arm decision to move closer to the city andfour-bedroom home that was contemporary, colourful and wanted to live in Seatoun. Its a friendly neighbourhoodchild-friendly. However, the renovation also needed to re ect that offers great schools for our children. some of the original dwellings character and integrity.After renting the property out for a couple of years, theWhile cost was no doubt a driving factor, one reason weResene family moved in. As well as having two children, Ruby (9)didnt demolish and start again was because we felt brandDe Janeiroand Archie (5), Irene was also expecting Phoenix (nownew homes often lack heart and soul, says Jason. Resene Moccaccinoone) at the time. And although the Hague-Smiths knewJohn and senior architect James Warren worked closelyResene that you should live in a house for at least 12 monthstowith the couple, looking at the familys evolving lifestyleQuarter Tanaexperience it in all seasonsbefore you do anything to it,and how to create spaces that could be easily con guredResene Tanathey decided to throw caution to the wind and renovate,around that. Preliminary measures also included examining Resene just four weeks after shifting in. the nature of the steep, sloping site. Foliage, for example,Wasabi| 15'