The old world charm of this Cambridge cottage has been brought to life by GD Pringle, and the extension blends a mix of the old with the new seamlessly. The interior of the laundry, bathroom and main bedroom suite have all been designed by the client themselves, who specialise in recreating new internal spaces. There is a huge emphasis on re-using old materials such as the butcher’s block table with its solid construction acting as an island unit in the kitchen. It’s a classic country kitchen at its finest, featuring window-displayed cupboards to showcase all your best culinary collection.
Internal doors have been moved to better locations and others have been brought in after sourced from a demolition yard, along with beautiful old leadlights in the powder room. Of course it’s all douabled glazed to lock in that warmth and comfort, with special attention to the timber joinery throughout the house, and a lovely portico to watch the last of the sun go down. After you walk in past the white picket fence and lush garden, the front verandah and grand entrance doorway greet you and make you feel instantly at home. Everything in this cottage has its place, right down to the very last detail, such as the cute coat and hat cupboard tucked in away neatly in the hallway.
Run your eyes down the hallway and you’ll see extra patterned ceiling sheets giving the space extra depth. Other modernities include a ducted underfloor heating and cooling system and upgraded insulation. This lovely cottage renovation made the Top 100 in the Registered Master Builders House of the Year 2023, along with Regional Supreme Renovation of the Year for Waikato (Up to $750,000). George Pringle employs a team of 10 builders and he’s worked hard to accumulate numerous industry trade qualifications over the years. With a National Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4), Construction Trades supervisor (Level 4), Construction Trades – main contract supervision (Level 5), and a National Diploma in Construction Management (Level 6), and Quantity Surveying (Level 6), he now strives to help his team also upskill.
Over the last 12 years the company has grown from a one-man band and developed an exceptional team who are friendly, hard-working and dedicated to producing outstanding finished products. He now has four apprentices studying carpentry, two builders currently completing their Construction Trades supervisor (Level 4) Certificate, and one builder studying a Diploma of Construction Management. “I enjoy working with a set of plans and looking at how will I do this? Then fast-forward two to three years, the pride you have at completing the project and reflecting on the journey to get there.”