"Separate living spaces for kids and adults, and natural light were what this couple wanted when they purchased their family home. But it wasn't a matter of move in and reap the rewards. Their dream required one clever architect and some savvy ideas from the new owners."

Having renovated before, Bruce and Andrea knew they needed help. But how do two virtual foreigners find a top-notch architect in a new city? Well, just ask! "We had absolutely no idea where to begin, so we jumped in the car and started driving," explains Andrea. "We saw a lovely home in Canterbury with a really authentic extension, so in true kiwi style we knocked on the door and asked for the name of their architect."

"Bruce and Andrea had very clear ideas about how they wanted to live." "Their primary requirement was conveyed in just three words: sunlight, sunlight, sunlight!" The connection was instant and the trio set to work The huge 1800-square-metre block allowed them to increase the original footprint of the home by almost 80 per cent, including four bedrooms, without losing outdoor space.

Generous rooms, high ceilings and tall colonial windows were all part of the plan. The entire transormation took just over eight months and the results are astounding. Still a seemingly modest bungalow from the outside, step into the spacious hall, skip past the salute to the traditional layout (main bedroom left, formal lounge right) then prepare to be blown away. To the left of the sweeping hall sits the family bathroom, laundry and other bedrooms. On the right, the formal living areas lead to a sparkling new kitchen and a plethora of casual, open-plan living spaces.

Smiling broadly, Andrea admits the transformation is now complete. "We just love it. We had a vision of this happy place where people would drop in for coffees and meals, and where there are millions of kids around, and that's exactly what we have. This house has brought the dream to life."

Words and images courtesy of Home Beautiful, published by Pacific Magazines Pty Ltd.