The house has been transformed into a vibrant social space with its clever interiors makeover.
This house at Fairview Park, situated at the tranquil northwest end of New Territories, is home to a couple, together with their dog and helper. It is love at first sight when the owners become aware of the house through visits to their family and relatives in Yuen Long, who live merely a short stroll away from the property. When they decide to purchase a weekend home, the house springs instantly to their mind.
“The design concept has a simple goal in mind: a cottage that doubles as a social space to entertain relatives and friends,” says Clifton Leung, Chief Designer of Clifton Leung Design Workshop, the design firm at the helm of the renovation.
A large private residential estate built in 1976 out in Yuen Long, Fairview Park is as close to true suburbia as one can get in Hong Kong. Its residents live in neatly arranged low-rise houses – each one complete with front and backyards. At some 20 years old, the property’s structure has never been touched before the couple buys it. To transform it into a modern French-style cottage home that makes the most of its picturesque hillside locale – as envisioned by the team – isn’t an easy task.
The team approaches it by first revamping the entire 1,000-sq. ft. 2-storey house. This includes gutting everything from the inside out – pipes, wiring, windows, etc – and redoing the layout. Perhaps most notably, the original three bedrooms on the first floor are converted into one continuous loft-like space comprised of the master bedroom, master bathroom and study room. The master bedroom leading directly into a corridor takes its cues from the open bathroom typically found in plush hotel rooms.
Within the abode, the owners’ eclectic, colourful furniture is set against a neutral and minimalist palette. In the living room, Michel Duacaroy’s classic Togo sofa in blue captures the eye, with mismatched chairs gathering around the dining table. Elsewhere in the study room, quirky curios pile up on bookshelves and a set of aeroplane galley carts serves as hidden storage.
The shining feature of the house, however, is found outdoors. A sumptuous outdoor kitchen and barbecue area are integrated to satiate the owners’ desire to enjoy great outdoor living; not to mention it being a gorgeous space to beckon friends and families alike with wholesome meals. The main entrance is fronted by a patio which features a breezy set of table and chairs, as well as a small bar area in the window, seamlessly connecting the outdoors with the interiors.
The fun and relaxing ambience further expands to the garage – decked out with fairy lights, the space can be used as an alfresco dining spot. A minimalist black electronic gate in front of the home can be easily opened for the couple to immerse in the surrounding countryside landscape, or closed for privacy if they wish.
The home is exactly what it sets out to be: a serene haven away from the bustling city life to host their loved ones. For the homeowners, it’s certainly a dream come true.
