A Remuera family affair

Practical living and luxury features combine to create this appealing family property, as VICKI HOLDER discovers.

Everyday living is invigorated by the excitement of bold, curvaceous design in a home hidden down a long driveway in Remuera.

Architect Kerry Avery balanced drama with a good measure of practicality in creating this spacious living environment for a busy family.

One of two new homes built side by side to complement one another, it treats the owners to luxurious features and sunny, private outdoor living.

There is ample parking in front of the double garage, and still plenty of room for a swimming pool in the enclosed garden.

Mature trees border the landscaped property, which includes attractive plastered and brush fencing, and easy-care palms and big succulents around the perimeter gardens.

The curves begin at the entry portico, which extends along the main body of the house and lures guests into the double-height, porcelain-tiled foyer.

A sturdy steel balustrade sweeps upstairs to the living areas and down to the laundry and family bedrooms.

A sisal-look carpet flows from the top landing through a passage into the formal lounge. There is an instant welcoming feel as no doors impose a barrier.

The soaring, vaulted ceiling in the lounge adds volume, giving the room wonderful proportions that are emphasised by the long, natural-weave curtains.

The bookshelves add a cosy touch around a Jetmaster fire on a hearth at one end of the room.

Also off the landing, the family living area, the dining area and the kitchen are through french doors trimmed with cherry wood. Cherry wood features as a sideboard behind the dining area, and in the kitchen cabinetry beneath a blue pearl granite benchtop.

Organised around an island bench with a breakfast bar, the large, long kitchen incorporates space-saving storage in slide-out stainless-steel drawers concealed behind cupboards.

Handy bottle storage slides out from a slim cupboard next to the 90cm Ariston oven and hob, so that oils and vinegars are immediately to hand when cooking.

Stationery and papers are stashed near the telephone in a small office area at one end of the kitchen.

Porcelain tiles and under-floor heating continue throughout this expansive room. The bathrooms also have under-floor heating.

There are times when it's too cold for Aucklanders to make use of their outdoor spaces. With this in mind, the architect and owners of this house have installed under-floor heating under the tiled floor of the covered terrace, which extends from the formal and family areas.

Bifold doors from these areas can remain open so that barbecues can be enjoyed for most of the year. A skylight in the ceiling allows the light in and keeps the rain out. Although most of the terrace is covered, an uncovered section of the balcony wraps around a corner of the kitchen, and faces west to catch the last of the sun's rays.

The lovely curve of the vaulted ceiling across the living area is highlighted by clean, architectural lines. High up on the walls, a row of small, square windows maximises the winter sun. Instead of drapes, discreet black solar blinds block the sun's harsh rays.

The curve of the roof falls down over a separate guest room with an elegant en suite at the back of the living space.

The two children's rooms, with walk-in wardrobes, adjoin a family bathroom, which has a shower over the bath.

A fun affair, the bathroom's floor and walls are tiled with light teal squares, which are spiced with a listello of coloured glass pieces.

The children's rooms are painted pale yellow - his with a blue trim around the skirtings and joinery, hers with a pink trim to coordinate with the roman blinds.

With a fitted dressing room and a large en suite, the main bedroom opens to the garden through french doors. The taupe and cream tones make it an elegant adult retreat from the rest of the house.

Not only do the ample spaces look good and interact well, they are data-wired for sound and everything else imaginable.

Address: 142 Upland Rd, Remuera.

Features: Kerry Avery-designed home with large living areas adjoining covered, under-floor-heated porch; under-floor heating in tiled areas; four bedrooms; three bathrooms; double garage and gym area; jarrah in adult bathrooms; data cabling and sound in living areas and bedrooms.

Vital statistics

Size: Land area 610 sq m, floor area approximately 300 sq m.

Auction: At 11 am, November 21, at Barfoot & Thompson's city rooms.

Agents: Shirley & Owen Haycock, Barfoot & Thompson, Remuera. Ph 524 0149 bus; 529 1117 ah; 021 941 872 mob.