A journey of discovery

VICKI HOLDER holds on to her hat for a tour of delight and surprise in this interesting heritage home.

Enamoured with the quirky character of a home they'd bought in Epsom, an

Auckland couple decided to turn the clock back 70 years. Fortunately, the house, called Rockwood, was in such a squalid state that they could afford the massive upgrade that lay ahead.

The home's architect, Noel Bamford, was one of Auckland's most prominent in the early 1900s. Bamford studied in England under the acclaimed architect Edwin Lutyens and his early homes reflected Lutyens' classical style, influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement. Like Lutyens, Bamford treated the house and surrounding garden design as one, with clear connections between the two.

The renovation has been a labour of love. Constantly asking "what would Bamford have done?" they deliberated at length as they considered how alterations would rejuvenate spaces, but add to the timeless atmosphere. They treated the house and garden as part of a journey of discovery, where every area opens to reveal its own surprises in a splendid series of spatial events.

Their enthusiasm to restore in a sympathetic manner may have been influenced by the fact that the daughter of the original owners, a Mrs Cheal now in her 90s, was keeping an eye on proceedings from the stables across the road. Mrs Cheal's mother was gifted the stables, called Ngahere, by her parents. They once owned not only Rockwood but all the surrounding property.

Early structural changes included re-roofing with concrete tiles, adding new flashings and restoring chimneys. When the living room was extended, recycled matai floorboards, matai shelving and drawers were added and appear as if they have always been there. Hand-made Morris & James tiles were laid in the updated kitchen. Two garages, one with an adjoining office, bathroom and wine cellar, now flank the house.

Heritage specialists Salmond Architects further enhanced the original design with an elegant wrought iron lych gate on the Mountain Rd entry, a front porch with Victorian mosaic tiles and a delightful conservatory off the casual living area.

The landscaping was a collaboration of three design teams and the lady of the house. Paths lead through garden rooms created by eugenia hedges with lower box hedging and mondo grass containing a variety of trees including the original puriri. These rise like sentinels behind a blue stone fence.

While the house captivates from the front, its true brilliance is in the quiet, sheltered, north-facing sanctuary it embraces at the back. French doors open to several sunny patios, verandahs and courtyards overlooking a pool and pretty pool house. Rock walls and steps were restored and lead down through trees and roses to a secret garden at the bottom of the garden.

Foresight was shown when the owner bought the neighbouring property to protect his own air space. He put a covenant on the next door house to prevent windows overlooking his own property. Privacy is forever assured.

Craftspeople and professionals of rare calibre were employed to bring the interior up to the standard required. Timber was stripped and wallpapers chosen to reflect the heritage ambience. The owner worked with interior designer Sheryl Ainslie-Smith to select rich wall colours, chandeliers and luscious French fabrics for the windows in the formal dining room, the gracious formal living room and the three elegant downstairs bedrooms.

Original fireplace surrounds in the formal living area were replaced, one with a grand Hinuera stone frame and the other with a pretty French antique design.

A big downstairs bathroom is modern with marble tiles and oak, yet the style marries with the house.

Early on, the upstairs attic was extended into the pitched roof to form a large children's living area and double bedroom with en suite. John Gummer, the son of W.H. Gummer, for whom Bamford later worked in Auckland, wrought sensitive changes which add a practical new dimension to this family home.

Such a comprehensive restoration of an historic property is rare. Almost a century on, this stunning Bamford design has reached its prime, ready for new owners to fall in love with its myriad charms.

Vital Statistics:

Address: 74 Mountain Rd, Epsom.

Features: Restored two-level character Noel Bamford-designed home, casual and formal dining and living, conservatory, several outdoor living spaces including pool pavilion and pool, four bedrooms, two-plus bathrooms, four gas and log-burning fireplaces, one double and one single, office with bathroom, wine cellar, security system, irrigation system.

Size: Land 2000 sq m.

Price indicator: $2,000,000 to $3,000,000.

Agent: Iain Rankine, Bayleys Real Estate, Auckland. Ph 309 6020 bus; 021 935 778 mob