b'pictures: Lucent*MediaTelevisionproducerMarkLeishmanandhiswifeJo Raymond both grew up in Timaru and have their own fond memories of their childhood and the family home. Now, Mark says theyre trying to create the same sense of fun and security for their childrenPaddy (12), Molly (7) and Rosie (2). Designed by respected architect Horace Massey in the depression era, their three-storey house is perched on a hill in Aucklands Mission Bay. And, over the last 12 years since they bought it, the Leishmans have made a signi cant investment in landscaping the property to make it child-friendly. the colour of the lobby without her permission. The dark Weve been doing it all in stages, because the fundsgreen had to go, though. It was a bit depressing, really, tend to dry up when you do too much at once. Afterso weve replaced it with a much nicer, less oppressive we put in the pool base, it sat there for four years, sayscolourResene Half Spanish Whitea kind of light Mark. Were at the stage now, though, where the kidsgrey-brown.and all their friends can really enjoy it. Next in line is the outside of the house.As well as the pool, the section offers a treehouse nestledFrankly, it needs painting and if I was more of a handy in the middle of a pohutukawa, a stretch of astroturf withperson I might get out there, but its a big house and I golf holes, a volley court for tennis, and a net area forwould need a whole lot of scaffolding.cricket practice.A long-time presenter and now producer of the television Paddys not a PlayStation boy, so hes always out in theprogramme Wonder Dogs, Mark has also created a special section, kicking and hitting balls. space for his own dog DJ in the Leishman household.Located at the end of a cul de sac, the Leishman section isDJ has a kennel on our deck that leads out from what is also a popular venue with the neighbouring children. essentially the heart of our house, our open-plan kitchen. Living in a cul de sac is wonderful. Its more like it used toIts really important for dogs to have their own space, be, with the doors open and children coming and going.where they can relax and where they know theyll be leftRelax into your home In our street, there are three or four other seven-year-oldalone. I think its particularly important with an eager littlewith popular whites and neutrals from the girls for Molly to play with. two-year-old in the house. Resene Whites and Neutrals Chartselect Inside the house, the Leishmans have developed whatRosies presence is also one of the drivers behind Markfrom 42 popular hues used to be an unused basement area into a music room,and Jo running their production company from home.for a failsafe look. Get your copy from complete with a drum kit, piano and guitars. Dexterity Productions, named after their much-loved dogResene ColorShops Dexter, takes care of the editing for Wonder Dogs and fornationwide or online We have all the makings of the Partridge Family, jokesthe annual Young Farmers contest. A newly built editingat www.resene.co.nz Mark. The kids love the room and its an in nitely better(NZ) or www.resene.suite has helped to cut back on the distractions that comecom.au (AUST).use of the space. with working from home, and Mark welcomes the chance Not all the progress has been met with eagerly by everyto be on hand for his children.Leishman child. Working from home has its challenges, but its a real Mollys not one for change. She objects vociferouslyprivilege to be around to watch Rosie growing up. It also to even the smallest alteration, so there was a majormeans Jo and I can be there to pick up Molly and Paddy commotion when she came home tond wed changedfrom school and to hear about their day.| 71'