Once home to the Corps of Royal New Zealand Engineers and the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery, the Pattie St Barracks is steeped in history. The mess hall was a place where those who served came to let their hair down. More recently the mess hall in the six-bedroom property has served as a playground for the family who bought it in 2007. In 2018, as the three children got older, it was time to re-think this area. The owners wanted to bring the energy and fun factor back to the grand old lady.

A pair of 13m external cavity/recessed doors were installed, allowing the entire entertainment area to open to the outdoors. A Gasmate barbecue was inbuilt and a new changing room, shower and toilet meant there was no traffic through the main house after a swim in the pool. A screen was wall-mounted in the extra lounge for movies, and a games room kitted out for those who want more active relaxation. A self-cleaning heated pool, artificial turf, evergreen trees and tiles mean the entertaining area is low maintenance. A sunken spa provides added luxury, as do inbuilt speakers. Here, old memories can be shared and new ones begun.