Tropical home's half-million dollar renovation

		Mon, Jan 31, 2011 The Star/Asia News Network
Contemporary tropical residence at Bukit Tunku
By Melisa Ng Tijani 2, Bukit Tunku, is tucked exclusively at Jalan Langgak Tunku amidst green surroundings. Being the owner of the 5,000sq ft two-and-a-half-storey semi-detached home, happily retired Geraldine Harding, 47, never regretted having to persuade her husband, Jimmy Tee to purchase the house in 2004. "Outside the box" design Click on thumbnail to view "When my husband and I first bought this house, we didn't invest much in properties. We were staying in Ulu Kelang and that was the only landed property we had. After we sold that house, I told my husband that we should look for another landed property to invest in. Hence, I did some research and found out that Bukit Tunku was one of the remaining few green developments. With undulating terrains and lush greeneries, the surrounding is quite cooling. "During the interior designing process, we got many offers from (real estate) agents asking if we wanted to sell the house. The price was good and we could make a profit. However after looking at the drafts provided by our interior designer, we loved how it looked and decided not to sell it. What I like about it is the strategic location where we can easily access to Jalan Duta, Jalan Mahameru and Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman," shares the mother of three. "Everything's here - it's complete…" As you enter the top floor - which is at street level, a black feature wall with family portraits greets guests as they make their way inside and this wall separates the living room from the walkway. On this floor, the master bedroom is a grand space of its own. There is a study area, a walk-in wardrobe and a bathroom that comes complete with a huge bathtub, with a view of the outdoor. There's no better way to unwind after a stressful day! The bathroom also comes with an outdoor rain shower. By the window of the master bedroom, sits a comfy armchair where Harding usually spends her time reading. The view? The green landscape of Langgak Tunku. Stairs to the lower ground (first level) leads you to two other bedrooms, a study room, living area, breakfast area, bar counter and kitchen. This level's main feature is the sleek and stylish bar with its black glass countertop, making it the perfect spot for entertaining guests. Beside the dining area is the breakfast area which opens out into the garden, complete with lush tropical foliage, water walls and water features that flow within the interior of the breakfast area. With such an open concept, Harding had to take security into consideration. "We installed an alarm system with sensors throughout the house, even though the development is already gated and guarded, to further enhance the safety of my family," explains Harding. With white as the kitchen's overall colour theme, the entire décor projects a minimalist and elegant look. The compact yet practical Bontempi-equipped kitchen is where the family gathers in the morning to make their toast and juice. Another floor down, there's a soundproofed television room, a bedroom, a gym and a music room. On every level, there is a storeroom. There is also a koi pond and a barbeque area at the garden of the lower first level. "Basically I have everything here. You can say that my house is complete," beams Harding. Designing "outside the box" When asked about the concept of the house, Harding replies, "The concept that my interior designer, Sze Teck Wee, proposed was contemporary tropical. I did have another interior designer as an option and she wanted to go with the "in" thing at that time which was the Balinese style. But Sze went against the conventional concept and came up with this concept which I really like and we went for it. I think it's really suitable for us. "Having an interior designer was good. He spent some time with us and got to know our lifestyles. We told him what we wanted and he gave us some suggestions," says Harding. She also asked for feedback and opinion from her family members. Sitting on 3,600sq ft of land, the home underwent renovations worth approximately RM1.2 million (S$502,686); two renovations to be precise - a major one which involved some hacking for the lower ground levels and the other, six months after shifting in. One of the outstanding features that you will surely notice is the black and grey limestone coloured walls throughout the home, which adds to the sleek and contemporary appearance. All bedrooms are thoughtfully designed with ample space and en suite bathrooms. When asked about her favourite area, Harding replies, "Well, it depends on the time of the day. If it's early in the morning I love the breakfast area. I like the water walls. If it's other times of the day, it will be the bar. It is the focal point of the house. And I think if you ask different family members, you will definitely receive different answers. But the bar will certainly feature in everyone's answer (laughs)!" A unique collection Around the house, eagle and horse figurines reflect Harding's husband's love for these animals. "Riding has always been a passion of my husband; both horse and motorbike riding. As for the eagles, I think it's his idea of supremacy in the sky and the sense of freedom. He also co-owns Eagle Ranch Resort, Port Dickson. Most of the figurines are gifts from friends. "I love this beautiful piece of art that I bought when I was on vacation with my hubby in Bali," she says of the wood-carved sculpture of running horses that are on the wall at the breakfast area. Useful tips According to Harding, it is essential to do your research, scout around and be patient. "Don't rush into buying things. Look around and you might find better deals. I'm definitely a firm believer in functionality and practicality. If you can afford it, get better quality products as they tend to last longer. To me, maintenance is important," shares Harding. "I'm also thankful that I have many people who assist me in maintaining this house, such as my cleaners Harta Maintanence, my curtain guy Loo from Grandway, and I have a great gardener-cum-landscaper from KC Landscape Services," says Harding. It's no surprise then that Harding was very pleased with the end result of the entire home.