When Leisa and Chris Toner built their home at Hamilton South it was with the view they would be there for the long haul.
It meant everything was done to exacting standard and to high quality.
The result was an award-winning build, one that stands out in Hamilton South’s quietly set Hibberd Street.
It brought a fresh look to the street, which backs onto Newcastle Racecourse and mostly features original style homes.
They bought an older style residence at 220 Beaumont Street on a 607 square metre corner block in 2015.
The land was subdivided then Chris, a building designer who has operated his own business Toner Design in Newcastle for nearly 25 years, designed two unique residences.
The first, a four-bedroom home facing Beaumont Street, was sold for $1.35 million, in February of last year.
When designing the Hibberd Street home it was important to maximise natural light and air flow while also considering privacy.
“We weren’t planning on moving out,” he said, but as fate would have it they are moving on.
The home is north-facing but Chris extended the rear deck to ensure it still captures some northern sun.
Living spaces on both levels are positioned at the front of the home to also maximise natural light.
The main living connects with a stone island kitchen that has a pull-out pantry, five-burner gas cook top, double electric oven and glass splashback.
L-shaped stacker doors seamlessly bring the outside in. There are Blackbutt floors and a Merbau entertaining deck. The grassed level yard has space for a pool.
Other extra touches Chris and Leisa were keen to add were LED lights under the breakfast bar and under the Caesarstone vanities in both bathrooms.
Both described it as a lifestyle home.
It is within walking distance of cosmopolitan Beaumont Street’s cafes and restaurants, The Junction Village and minutes to the beach and major shopping centres.
“It’s a lovely area. We ride our bikes to the beach and baths all of the time and walk to The Junction,” Leisa said.
One of her favourite design aspects has been an air conditioning vent over the mirrored dressing table in the oversized master suite’s walk-in robe. There is also a luxury ensuite with a freestanding bath.
They consulted with Helen Brunsdon of Swish Concepts for the interior design of the home.
Mavid Group were behind the construction, which won awards in 2017 for dual occupancy.
It has plantation shutters, square-set ceilings, a double garage with internal access, downstairs powder room and security system.
The three-bedroom home is being marketed by First National Newcastle City’s George Rafty with a price guide of $1.45 million to $1.55 million.
An inspection will be held for 3 Hibberd Street at 11.30am on January 27. It is set for auction on February 10 and could set a new street sale record.
A contemporary four-bedroom home sold in 2016 for $1.027 million.
