By VICKI HOLDER
The splendid big rooms in this Spanish Mission-style home in Remuera resound with a sense of history. Designed by noted architect Horace Massey in 1927, it was built of double-skinnned brick, and later covered in rough plaster.
The style is a whimsical departure from Massey's more familiar simplistic
Moderne style, yet it was not the architecture but the property's former owner which made headlines this month. Robert Leitl, a German businessman, died in 1999 and left behind a $6 million fortune. Four of his friends were miffed when Leitl, who had promised them jewellery and money, didn't leave them a thing.
Unfortunately for Leitl's friends, this wonderful big property is no longer part of that dispute, though if they care to take a visit, they will discover the home has been well preserved since they last partied here. Alterations over the years have been minimal, and renovation work has been sympathetic to the original.
The interior was most recently enhanced by architect Graham Bull to more successfully cater for today's demands of convenience. Although it was originally designed to generate an atmosphere of formality for entertaining, cosmetic changes now give a relaxed, contemporary feel. At every glance you are drawn to original forged ironwork, graceful arches and exquisite leadlight windows, yet simple, modern textures are a foil to the intricate decorative elements, offsetting any fussiness.
Bone-coloured sisal carpets in the beautifully proportioned living area focus attention on magnificent arched doors, glazed with leadlights. Unadorned, they draw the eye across the broad, covered terrace, down into the expansive sub-tropical garden where an azure pool entices.
At night, visitors can warm themselves beside a log fire in the Takaka marble fireplace before adjourning to the dining room next door. Through the big arches, sumptuous, silky chocolate brown drapes lend drama around leadlight windows.
Tasmanian oak flooring in the kitchen complements the original timber flooring now exposed and polished in the entry. An unusual kitchen design by Italy and Kitchens combines charcoal-coloured cabinetry with industrial-style stainless-steel drawer fronts and wide, flat, pitted stainless-steel handles. But it's not just designed to look good. Chefs will love the double gas hob and double wall oven, and innovative storage features include enormous double-width drawers, an eye-level bifold door that folds up to reveal crockery, drawers fitted to keep knives in order and a chrome pantry that swivels out to meet you.
The kitchen leads to a big laundry and double garage. Another passage linked to the entry foyer takes you to an intimate library/study plus a lift that goes up to the first floor. It is temporarily being used as a wine cellar, though there are plenty of other spaces that would suffice for the same purpose, including an under-stair cupboard.
Steep stairs head down to a big rumpus or guest room with its own bathroom and separate entry, and there's another spare room off the entry foyer, currently used as a children's television and entertainment room.
The main stairs in the entry, draped with turned ironwork, head up to the bedroom level. As you take your first step you sink into the deep luxury of velvety beige carpet which winds its way up and through all three bedrooms. These rooms gather around an extensive upstairs terrace with views across Remuera and the Auckland Harbour across to Rangitoto.
While the little girls' room is pretty in buttery yellow, the master bedroom is pure sophistication in the palest hint of mauve with shot grey drapes. The room flows through a dressing room into a bathroom with rich red jarrah flooring, where a square ceramic bowl balances on the most understated of vanities, a jarrah shelf. The family bathroom around the corner is also dressed to thrill in purplish blue with jarrah flooring and an oval bowl on the vanity. A separate toilet incorporates a vanity with taps that protrude from a wall of pebbles.
Paring the components back to the basics, Graham Bull has achieved an outstanding result. Just down the road from the Remuera shops, this intriguing property offers a seamless blend of character and innovative contemporary design.
Vital Statistics:
Address: 31 Victoria Ave, Remuera
Features: Character home with new Italian kitchen, three upstairs bedrooms - master with en suite, library, entertainment room, downstairs rumpus with bathroom, lift, swimming pool and outdoor entertaining area, gas-fired central heating, automatic garden irrigation, double garaging, security alarm.
Size: Land area 1226 sq m
Auction: 12 noon Saturday September 2 on site
Agent: Nicola Bull, Kellands Real Estate. Ph 302 2209 bus; 524 4511 ah; 025 774 667 mob.
By VICKI HOLDER
The splendid big rooms in this Spanish Mission-style home in Remuera resound with a sense of history. Designed by noted architect Horace Massey in 1927, it was built of double-skinnned brick, and later covered in rough plaster.
The style is a whimsical departure from Massey's more familiar simplistic
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