A taste of the country in Remuera

By VICKI HOLDER

A little bit of the country comes to town in the form of an extraordinary Remuera property that's shielded from the rest of the world.

Twisting and turning gently down a leafy right-of-way towards this home, you get the feeling that you are heading down a remote country lane.

Finally emerging in a large clearing deep in a bushy valley, it's so quiet and still that it's almost spooky for there's no other house in sight.

A wooden bridge draws you across the valley to what, at first, appears to be a little shingled cottage with glass doors allowing you to see straight through to the bush on the other side.

As you approach, it becomes apparent that the quaint building is a mere snippet of the much larger picture. A cap-shaped projection extends as a welcoming entry from the upper level of a huge, pitched, shingled roof.

Starting from the top and winding your way down into the living areas below, a wonderful sense of anticipation grows. Children, in particular, are charmed and cannot wait to explore the home's many nooks and crannies that are hidden beneath the cathedral-like proportions of the timber roof.

About 15 years ago when the owners moved in, the home was more transparent. The shingles didn't exist.

Because the property is so utterly private, peaceful and beautiful, architect Simon Carnachan wasn't compelled to bend to the usual suburban constraints in its design.

Originally he placed a roof of glass panels on top of the cedar walls. Although it bought the beauty of the surrounding trees and sky inside, the heat build-up in summer and the heat loss in winter became unbearable.

The owners decided to do away with the glass and replace it with the timber and shingles for a more rustic look. The skylights and an abundance of glass windows ensure it's still a light and sunny home.

On the entry level at the top, the marble floor steps down to a landing where the owners house their grand piano beneath crystal chandeliers. The double glazing gives protection from the elements.

The room opens to a small mezzanine library/study that looks down on the casual living area. Opposite the study, the master bedroom suite maintains a fair distance from the rest of the house. It's adjoined by an en suite and a walk-in wardrobe. There is also a substantial office on the mezzanine level above the bedroom. Skylights in the ceiling provide cool breezes, which are stirred by a ceiling fan to keep the area cool in summer.

Three more bedrooms, the laundry and two bathrooms feature one level down. The larger of the three bedrooms opens to the deck and takes advantage of the loft space above the cupboards, where an office is accessed by a ladder.

Two broad stairways head down further still to the living level - one to the family area and the other to the formal part of the house. Both are linked in the middle by a modern white kitchen.

The lower flat ceilings in the formal rooms give a more intimate feel. Although part of one larger room, the dining and living areas are divided by the chimney of a log fire facing the living area. French doors to the decks sheltered by overhanging eaves give a strong connection to the bush outside.

With the timber ceiling rising to the full-height of the house, there's a different atmosphere in the family area. Natural building materials combine to offer richness and warmth in the timber ceiling, the glowing timber floors and the old-style brick fireplace. French doors open to a deck that's edged with trees and reaches back around to the bedroom level.

Wander down from the decks to the side of the house and you'll discover that the substantial storage space under the house is used as a spacious wine cellar.

The grounds surrounding the house are spacious and easy care. Lawn flows around the edges before rambling off into the wilderness of the trees, where children can amuse themselves for hours.

Children have loved living in this property. As well as being close to Remuera Village and Little Kings Prep School, this secure home treats them to the wonders of a country lifestyle.

Vital statistics

Address: 33B Portland Rd, Remuera.

Features: Simon Carnachan-designed, 15-year-old home surrounded by bush; three living levels; three double bedrooms, one single; three bathrooms; separate formal lounge; separate formal dining; family area; library; office; wine cellar.

Size: 1232 sq m.

Price: $855,000.

Agent: Janet Barnard and Anne Tobin, Barfoot & Thompson, Remuera. Ph 524 0149 bus; Janet 021 942 011 mob, Anne 021 973 052 mob.