Grace 2 Storey

In the 1940 and  '50s, families with four or more children was the norm - my mother was one of eight, my father one of four. These days, large families aren't so common, but with the rise in blended families there is a real nee for larger homes where everyone can have a dedicated space all to themselves.

Upstairs and downstairs living may be exactly what you are when it comes to having lots of children under the one roof. Children can claim the downstairs zone, while adults and take the upstairs. Sound like a fair deal?

One of the great things about this design is that there are four bedrooms on the lower level - all of equal size, so there'll be no complaints among siblings. Each opens to a central rumpus room with 5.5m x 6.6m dimensions, so it's huge and there'll be space for a sofa or two, maybe even a quiet reading corner. Plus, there 's also a kitchenette with sink and cupboards in this rumpus so kids can be self sufficient - just add a fridge and they'll be set. This ground level is also self-contained with the main bathroom, a separate toilet and the laundry (maybe add another toilet in here) too.

Upstairs it's a whole new world with balconies off the living/dining zones and master bedroom to enjoy any city or sea views. A large 5.Sm wide space has been dedicated to the kitchen and with its long island bench, you can tick off the fact that everyone will fit along it at breakfast time.

There will be plenty of room to spread out with more than enough space for the lounge suite, a large dining table, even a play area in one corner. Off this living zone, the spacious master suite, that takes up the length of the design and has its own balcony, will be a retreat at the end of a long  day looking after the kids. A private ensuite - always a blessing when there's little ones around - and a walk-in wardrobe are essentials you'll want and appreciate.

The Grace 2 Storey design is ideal as a holiday home for extended family and friends to stay over, but it will work equally well for those with four or more children , or blended families so everyone can have their own space. As a bonus, this design starts from a mere $172,100.

27-Jan-2019 - The Sunday Mail Home Magazine

For more information about the house in this story please look at the Grace 240.

A coastal feel and relaxed style makes Sarah Homes' Grace 2 Storey a keeper

Sarah Homes is a go-to for holiday homes but this design is worthy of more than an occasional stay. The Grace 2-Storey is one to consider for your permanent residence. This two storey, five bedroom home has a coastal Cape Cod vibe clad in a mix of composite materials and makes a pleasant variation to the standard brick and render housing landscape. Spacious open-plan style, large windows for good light and a communal feel are what you'll find with this design.

With five bedrooms there's a room each for four children,  which are grouped on the ground level and open to the central lounge  room which also features a kitchenette. Uniform in design means everyone gets an equal space with built-in wardrobes and large picture windows for good light.

Upstairs, the master bedroom runs the full depth of the home and comes with a separate balcony, long ensuite and two-sided walk-in wardrobe. It provides mum and dad with a sense of privacy and space to call their own. Central on both levels are living  areas: the rumpus downstairs and the lounge upstairs  which opens to a large balcony creating a decent space to entertain in. To one end there's room for the dining table, while the galley-style kitchen sits behind it. A walk-in pantry and wall of  storage, a long island bench with double sink and two points of entry to the kitchen allow good flow through this space.

A bench seat recessed nearby adds a point of difference and two sets of sliding doors provide easy access to the wide balcony. A bathroom on each level means there's a nearby amenity wherever you are, and with a separate toilet, vanity and bath/shower room downstairs, children will have no trouble getting ready at the same time.

19-Jun-2016 - The Sunday Mail Home Magazine

For more information about the house in this story please look at the Grace 240.

With five bedrooms, everyone will find their own place to relax and unwind in the Grace 2 from Sarah Homes

Homeowners who build the Grace 2 will never have to worry about turning friends and family away for a weekend getaway or holiday due to a lack of space. The two-storey design includes five bedrooms, two separate living areas and even the option of a second kitchenette. "We opened the Grace 2 to the public for the first time last Christmas," Helen Lowrie of Sarah Homes says.

"It has quickly become a big hit with clients and is our second-most popular two-storey design in a very short time. It is a home that allows everyone to come together for a great holiday, and a great memory." The ground floor houses four bedrooms, including three with built-in wardrobes. Central to the sleeping areas is a large casual living-space ideal for children to be boisterous and entertain themselves without disrupting the entire house.

For a second family that may be sharing the home, it provides privacy when needed as well as a kitchenette which includes a benchtop with double sink, provision for a refrigerator and space for a microwave and other appliances. A three-way bathroom is also on this level, creating a second, self-contained living unit. Louvre windows allow excellent cross-ventilation, which is great when you want the house to cool quickly on a hot summer evening. While kids are having fun downstairs, the adults can relax in space and light upstairs.

A galley kitchen includes an island bench with breakfast bar, overhead cupboards, stainless-steel appliances and a generous walk-in pantry. Extra design elements include a large wall niche in the meals area, big enough to allow a bench for casual seating. Adjacent to the staircase is a powder room, ideal for people being entertained in the large, open-plan meals and living area without having to traipse downstairs to the bathroom or use the ensuite in the main bedroom.

A wall of windows and sliding glass doors allows light to flood in, as well as maximising all available views. A large decked area provides extra space for alfresco evenings while soaking in beautiful vistas. The main bedroom is on this level and includes a walk-in wardrobe and good sized ensuite. A sliding glass door gives access to a private decked area, ideal for mum and dad to unwind in the evenings.

"It is quite a versatile design," Helen says. "The kitchenette downstairs can be expanded and enlarged or left out completely if desired. There is also the option of reversing the home, to take advantage of views which may be to the rear of the block, because the home can be accessed front or back." Neutral-toned floorboards were used for both upstairs and downstairs living areas providing a quick-clean option, especially handy when sandy feet return from an afternoon at the beach.

12-Aug-2012 - The Sunday Mail Home Magazine

For more information about the house in this story please look at the Grace 240.