Many years of family discussions took place around the Hurst kitchen table, before final decisions were made on how to future-proof their impressive Willow Park homestead, at Papakaio.

Now the completed renovation project on Ian and Gloria Hurst’s 783m² home has won three national awards for Oamaru company Roger Gilchrist Building Services.

The two-year renovation project has won the New Zealand Master Builders’ supreme award for renovation of the year, renovation in the over $1.5m category, and the kitchen excellence award.

In their comments about the completed home, judges said it was an impressive renovation that had been brilliantly conceived, designed and constructed.

“The transformation of this pre-1900’s homestead into a 21st Century luxury family home, was a massive undertaking. The result is nothing but awe inspiring.”  

Gloria said the focus with the plans was on trying to give the “wonderful old building’’, a valued future.

Willow Park at Papakaio, inland from Oamaru, in all her glory. PHOTO: Supplied

“Our landscape designer, Sean Dixon, woke up here one morning with the plan in his head and quickly scribbled it down.

“Daughter-in-law Jade rolled up her sleeves and designed the interiors,” she said.

The kitchen area, with its marble benchtops and oak joinery, was not only the judges’ favourite, but as part of an effective open-plan living area, it is the Hurst’s favourite place in the home too.

“It’s a functional and friendly space for family and friends, but into the future, it has the potential to serve as a more formal area for community conversations and brainstorming,” Gloria said.

Judges described the space as “the ultimate entertainer's dream”, positioned strategically with direct access to the two outdoor entertaining areas.

“Marvellous views of the estate and hills beyond are provided through large bi-folding windows. Natural light pours through into the heart of the kitchen,” they said. 

The entire renovation was described as “magnificent” and one to “truly be admired”.

“It’s clear that all involved have worked tirelessly to fulfil the home-owner’s dream.

“The transformation of this . . . home was an outstanding team effort between the home-owners, architect, builder, sub-trades and interior designer. 

“The very high standard of workmanship and attention to detail makes this home a worthy recipient of the national Supreme Renovation of the Year award,” they said.  

Gloria and Ian were grateful to Roger Gilchrist Building Services, and the “dozens of talented support crew” who enabled the whole process to happen “without fuss or fanfare”.

The indoor/outdoor flow is an entertainer's dream, Master Builder judges said. PHOTO: Supplied