Located in the heart of Dunedin, Roger Fewtrell and wife Derryn's apartment-inspired, three-level home has sweeping views of the city including the neo-Gothic castle at Otago Boys’ High.  

The couple wanted to make the most of their stunning views, so decided on three storeys: the top would act as a self-contained, apartment style section; the second would hold the spare bedrooms, games room and laundry; and to finish off the package, the ground floor was fitted as a garage complete with a lift.

Last year, the couple only spent 13 weeks in Dunedin due to business trips. Therefore, it was essential that unwinding after a long-haul trip was an easy, hassle-free process.  The Escea gas fireplace allows just that, by quickly heating the self-contained top floor.

The Fewtrells desired a timeless, contemporary design feel – light, airy and elegant were the driving factors. Furthering this motif, the Fewtrells wanted flame without the mess.  The couple had already owned multiple houses with beautiful open fronted, wood fires, but were tired of the effort that goes into starting, stoking, and cleaning a wood fire.  The transition to a gas fire was an easy choice. 

The Escea DL850 fireplace was the perfect addition to the easy-living tone.  When asked what the best thing about the Escea fireplace is, Roger answered, “Push the button and it starts, push the button and it turns off.  Ninety per cent of the romance with none of the muck."

Roger uses the fireplace in conjunction with the heat pump, which he says is perfect for those cold Dunedin days. The Escea DL850 gives the radiant warmth that you can’t get from the heat pump – great for when you come home from work and want the room to be heated quickly.

The Titanium Silver fascia of the DL850 fireplace goes hand-in-hand with the elegantly modern detailing of the room and highlights the stone hearth located below it.  To enhance the visual interest of the room, Roger placed a long window below the fireplace, which creates a floating effect and draws in more natural light.

The couple are now building two more houses, similar in design, right next door – both with Escea fireplaces.