St Heliers: Learning curve

25 Woodside Crescent,

An art deco home seduced its tenants into buying it then doing it up, writes Sandra Goodwin.

St Heliers. An international search spurred by desire for a fading beauty with seductive curves sounds more like the beginning of a detective novel than a house purchase.

But this is no gumshoe detective plot; the curvaceous old beauty is an art deco home in St Heliers which Brian and Robin Brown moved into in 2004 as a stop-gap measure.

Brian says, "We were renting this house and had no intention of buying anything for a while because we'd just sold. But it was amazing how it grew on us."

The couple's imagination was piqued by the home's gracious stucco curves and enviable position - an elevated outlook over native bush at the bottom of a quiet street close to St Heliers village.

The Browns had leased the two-storey house through an agency and set about trying to locate their landlord in Asia, with only his name to go on. They tracked down the expatriate Kiwi owner in Malaysia and he agreed to sell them the home after years of renting it out.

The home and its two neighbours were crafted by the same builder around the late 1930s. Brian says its spell as a rental meant it was a bit neglected and ready for a make-over.

Robin adds, "The garden was overrun with every weed known to mankind."

Their confidence was buoyed by having improved previous homes, mainly through non-structural redecoration. However, Brian jovially admits neither that, nor his vocation of quantity surveyor, quite prepared them for what was involved in making structural renovations to such a solid character home.

"The house has a concrete tiled roof, concrete foundations, a timber frame and a very thick plaster exterior over chicken wire. You don't just cut a hole and put a door in. It was a learning curve but we're pleased we did it properly." Architect Kyle Porter helped them maintain the deco style.

The most major structural change was creating a new upstairs bedroom suite by extending a terrace into an elegantly-curved bedroom with an adjacent bedroom making way for an en suite and walk-in wardrobe. The two existing bathrooms and entranceway have been completely transformed, the kitchen upgraded and everywhere else redecorated in a sophisticated neutral palette. The curved living room now boasts a gas fire and new bifold doors to easily access the main deck - curved, of course.

The couple lived in the house throughout the project, often speeding progress by sacrificing convenience. For example, they renewed their membership at the local gym and relied upon the generosity of neighbours when waiting for new showers to be installed.

Today the property oozes elegance. Balconies and two levels of rear decking offer multiple vantage points from which to gaze down at the cleverly landscaped backyard, which includes a sizeable stretch of mature native bush. There's a third outdoor living area in a sunny spot round the side of the house and St Heliers beach and shops are a short stroll away.

After pouring their energies into the property the Browns imagine it would be nice to spend more time enjoying the results. However, work opportunities have arisen in Hong Kong, where they previously lived for a decade.

Vital Statistics

BEDROOMS: 4

BATHROOMS: 3

GARAGE: 2

SIZE: Land 923sq m, house 265sq m (approx, including attached laundry/garage).

PRICE INDICATION: CV (2005) $1.08 million. Auction March 22.

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 2-2.30pm or by appointment.

CONTACT: Karin Cooper, Barfoot & Thompson St Heliers, 575 9079 bus, 0274 912 158, 528 6282 a/h.

FEATURES: Art deco home on fully landscaped section next to Dingle Dell Reserve. Formal and casual living areas flow to a private, northwest-facing outdoor entertaining area, fringed with mature trees. Within walking distance of St Heliers Bay beach and cafes.