September 2011, in a magnitude 7.1 earthquake, Errol and Leonore Ashby lost their beloved home and local Darfield landmark 'Nesslea' originally built in 1922. After being informed Nesslea could not be saved and would have to come down Errol and Leonore set about salvaging as much of the original homestead as possible. Errol has spent tireless hours in his work shed sanding and staining rimu flooring, the grand rimu staircase and four of the stunning leadlight windows that did not break in the quake. All in preparation to be refitted into their new home.

The inspiration behind Nesslea’s colour scheme really was the clients and the circumstance. Faced with the daunting task of a rebuild in their mid 60s, a project they had never anticipated having to do, the colour schemes selected are soft, gentle and unassuming, a reflection of the owners themselves.

Soft pastel colours were selected for the bedrooms with coordinating wallpapers and floral drapery. Wallpaper from Chateau II and Mirage Classics with their co coordinating borders were introduced to the master bedroom and office; a subtle yet elegant replacement from the original heavily patterned wallpapers that decorated the walls of Nesslea.

The majority of the living/kitchen spaces were painted in a combination of Resene Double Alabaster and Resene Quarter Napa. These soft muted tones blend with and complement the recycled rimu paneling, rimu floors, original light fittings and schist detail.

Resene Half Pearl Lusta in a high gloss finish was selected for the county inspired kitchen cupboards, complemented with stainless bench top and delicate tulip listello detail to really accentuate the cottage country ambiance.

Bedrooms each have their own main colour – Resene Eighth Napa, Resene Celeste and Resene Rum Swizzle – while still keeping within the soothing soft palette. The office is finished Resene Triple Wheatfield.

Outside Linea is finished in Resene Perfect Taupe complemented on windowsills with Resene Double Oilskin and fascia/ barge areas with Resene Double Perfect Taupe.

A combination of history, the gentle nature of the owners and a very passionate team of tradespeople helped put Nesslea back on her feet while achieving the desired look of ‘old meets new’.

Architectural Specifier: Ray Hawthorne Design
Building Contractor: GD Frost & Son
Colour Selection and Interior Designer:
Hayley Scheerhoorn, Niche Designs
Painting Contractor: Simon Martin Paint & Paper
Project: Resene Total Colour Awards 2012

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