Clifftop character

VICKI HOLDER finds an impressive family property a stress-free 20 minutes from Auckland city.

One of only two homes designed by Gerald Edgar Jones to be built on Auckland's North Shore, this Bayswater property cost a princely $1500 to buy in 1907.

Best known for his church designs, Edgar Jones also established a reputation for his traditional English style of residential architecture. His welcoming interiors, rich with fine materials and well-crafted detail, were popular among the wealthy.

It is not just the style of architecture and quality interior that make this home outstanding. On the Bayswater point high above the marina, it is virtually surrounded by water and boasts dazzling views across the harbour to the city. Whatever direction you face, the views are awesome.

The house sits in the middle of large, level grounds, which have been beautifully landscaped by Gudrun Fischer. Family living focuses north, across a terrace to a sweep of private lawn and garden alongside the driveway.

The children's bedrooms upstairs also look north over the boundary wall to the water, and beyond to the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

The city view, to the south, can be enjoyed from the luxurious master suite and elegant entertainment rooms that spill out through french doors to a swimming pool. When the big cruise liners glide across the harbour to the port, the property owners, Michael and Zaria Taylor, say they are so close that you can hear the music playing on board.

The landscape designer has planted neat and low on the cliff in order to frame the view. Hinuera stone is used in the pool area, the front garden and for the paths and low walls that border the lawn. The garden is a delight, particularly in spring when the camellia blossoms give way to a burst of colour on the cherry trees that line the drive. Several water features add interest. A fountain cascades into a pond at the gate, while, nearer the house, a waterfall surges over big rocks to another pool.

The house is entered from a path that runs alongside the double garage. A large entrance porch steps into a parquet foyer, where stairs lead to an internal balcony above. Although there's a sumptuous office off the entry, this sunny alcove makes a great library-cum-second-study area for children.

The entertaining rooms flow off the foyer. Gas central heating warms the whole house within minutes of being switched on, but the inglenook fireplace at one end of the sitting room is equally as efficient at throwing out the heat, according to Michael and Zaria. A stonemason has reworked the fire surround in a simple Hinuera stone design to complement the Arts and Crafts character of the room. Original features include blue/green glass leadlights in the windows behind the fireplace and small-paned windows in a bay above a long window seat.

The dining room next door has brick red walls, Oregon timber ceiling beams and an archway with wood panelling that opens to the kitchen area. When the porch off the dining room was enclosed with windows and french doors to the terrace, it became much more functional as a conservatory.

No matter which direction the wind is blowing, there's always somewhere calm and sheltered to sit outside. Off the other side of the dining area, a pergola with a glass roof makes an all-weather barbecue area. Linked between this and the kitchen, a glazed porch with an adjoining bathroom provides a handy changing area for the pool.

Set between the family area and the formal dining room, with big granite serveries at both ends, the kitchen is enormous. Loads of storage space is hidden behind timber pantries. The family area, which was originally the laundry, was an addition made by the previous owner. Now a cosy sitting and dining space, it incorporates eucalyptus parquet flooring and handsome cabinetry for the sound system and television. Beneath a high, pitched, white tongue-and-groove ceiling inset with skylights, the room has a fresh, country feel.

Not only is this charming home peaceful, private, secure, homely and comfortable, it's also convenient. Its proximity to the Bayswater ferry, which is a short walk away, makes it just 20 minutes away from the central city.

Vital statistics:

ADDRESS: 7 Marine Pde, Bayswater.

FEATURES: Clifftop manor designed by Gerald Edgar Jones dating back to 1907; magnificent city and harbour views; character features combine with modern amenities; landscaped gardens with swimming pool; four bedrooms; two and a half bathrooms; formal and family living areas; office; library/study area; wine cellar; ample storage; gas heating and air conditioning; electronic gate; perimeter and point security alarm; water tank for irrigation; garden irrigation system.

SIZE: Floor area 362sq m, land area approximately 0.2ha.

TENDER: Tenders close at 4pm, June 28.

AGENT: Tom Kane, Premium Real Estate. Ph 486 1727 bus; 489 1189 ah; 021 218 6055 mob.