Herne Bay: Artistic license

The owner of this historic terrace house shares the same vocation as its original resident.

Stichbury Terrace, 95 Jervois Road, Herne Bay.

The charming arts and crafts Stichbury Terrace houses nearly didn't survive the demolition frenzy of the 1980s. Back then the building, in the heart of bustling Herne Bay, was derelict and being used as shelter by some of Auckland's homeless.

Fortunately, heritage campaigners preserved the row of four elegant town houses originally built by Auckland city father James Stichbury for his family.

The current owner of one of them, artist Lois Perry, moved here in 1992 from a 1960s architect-designed house in suburban Pakuranga.

"It was everything I didn't want in a house, except it was in the right part of town," recalls Lois. "It was dark, had stairs, was on a main road, had barely any garden and barely even a glimpse of the sea. But I walked in here and something about it made me say, 'I'll have it'."

The art teacher wanted room for her large painted canvases. She feels her connection with the house was meant to be - the original occupant was James' daughter Ilene, also an art teacher. Ilene had married a Bohemian poet in Paris in the late 1930s, although he went away in the 1950s. She stayed in the building, awaiting his return, some say, and when she died, bequeathed paintings and rare books to the Auckland City Art Gallery.

Lois faced a daunting prospect of rejuvenating the virtually original house. Luckily, the exterior - including tiled front porch, windows and lead lighting - was still sound. Working with heritage advice, she and her builders salvaged what they could of the interior woodwork and panelling.

Her priority was to bring in light: the north-facing kitchen, hall and sitting room were opened into one large space. Tall, slim windows were carved into the west wall and dark ceilings refreshed with white paint.

As well as a kitchen, the space boasts room for a compact library/office and a dining nook. The thick concrete walls block any traffic sounds and keep the house well-insulated.

Modern-but-period concreted terraces and stairs now lead into the paved courtyard (re-designed more than once by Lois, an avid gardener) and down to a basement laundry.

But it was upstairs that the real rearranging of rooms began. A magnificent leadlight window gathers the afternoon sun into the stairwell and landing. Lois rearranged dark hallways, tiny bedrooms and a bathroom blocking the best sea view into a generous master suite, bathroom and a large artist's studio. Windows now stretch across the north wall, admitting sun and views across the valley to the harbour bridge and beyond. Vintage doors open on to the tiny upper verandah, still with its original balustrades. The real treasure for this artist was turning the large front bedroom and hallway into a studio. The arched-windowed balcony looks back over Jervois Road, while west facing windows catch glimpses of the Waitakeres.

Lois has relished her warm and creative home. But with no more teaching commitments, she has more time to devote to her beloved gardening, so is moving to a house with a bigger yard for her green fingers.

Vital Statistics

BEDROOMS: 3

BATHROOMS: 2

GARAGE: 1

SIZE: Land, 1/4 share of 732sq m, apartment 180sq m.

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 12-12.30pm.

PRICE INDICATION: Upwards of $650,000. Auction December 7.

CONTACT: Kym Aiken, Bayleys, ph 309 6020 bus, 021 596 222.

FEATURES: Turn of the century arts and crafts concrete terrace house, renovated in 1992. Open plan living, kitchen and office opening to north-facing courtyard, with original gas fireplace. Large master bedroom with balcony, sea views and office and a further large room currently used as artist's studio. Basement laundry room with conversion potential.