IT’S just days until Wayne Trengove and his family move into a brand spanking new house with a prime view of the new Bridgewater Bridge.
Today, however, his focus is inward, moving in furniture and appliances, making sure everything is working properly.
Outside, there’s work to do across a raw and rocky hilltop, a driveway to upgrade and lawns, trees and garden to plant.
But beyond that is what Wayne bought this place for, a spectacular 210-degree Derwent view, and in the centre, Bridgewater bridges old and new.
Between them will soon be the loops and swirls of the interchange of the Brooker, Midland and Lyell Highways, along with Black Snake Road and the original Austins Ferry main road.
There’s a lot of credit to go round for this new house.
After looking at a number of designs for the block, right on the cusp of the hill, Wayne came to one by Gareth Davies of architectural firm, West Elevation.
“It’s very sharp,” he says of the subtle black Colorbond exterior. All on a single level, a handsome deck projecting towards the river, the new house emanates beauty and strength.
The contractor is Marcus Delaney, based in Kingston. “He’s proved to be fantastic,” adds Wayne, “especially how he used Blackbutt hardwood for the floors and doors.”
Eco friendly is built in the eaves measured perfectly to welcome the morning sun (and more in winter) but to create shade to keep the house cool in summer.
Wayne also directs praise at Ally Hicks, who handles community outreach from McConnell Dowell, the bridge contractors. McConnell Dowell, the bridge contractors.
“She’s been especially good to deal with, responsive and thoughtful,” he says.
“The new bridge, and all the works involved, is one thing we haven’t had to be concerned about.”