When we began Elysian at 25 Balfour Road, we committed to honouring the villa that stood there. Rather than demolish it, we carefully relocated the home to 13 Ridgewater Lane, Matakana so its story could continue.
Fortified Construction is leading the restoration on site, with Sarah Foote shaping a calm interior palette that respects the architecture.
Opening a century-old house is always revealing. Beneath the paint we found original skirtings, architraves, scotia and ceiling details worth saving.
The team is retaining what gives the villa its character and rebuilding the parts that need strength for the next century.
Inside, the palette is simple and timeless: wide oak floors for warmth, a light taupe kitchen to balance the light, and cool Italian marble to ground the spaces. It’s designed to feel good in the hand and stay dignified over time. Faithful, not fussy, so new owners can move in and make it their own.
Orientation now makes sense for how people live: north-facing rooms and a wraparound veranda that gather light and invite easy time with family and friends.
The house is settling back into itself and nearing completion, where it will be offered to the market mid-October. It’s a home with history, been given a future and restored with the same care we bring to our new builds.
Developer: HR Group
Interiors: Sarah Foote Design
Builder: Fortified Construction
