Freemans Bay: Quality craftsmanship

Traditional and modern design prevail at this family-size city home with an oriental flavour. By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

Exquisitely designed by Marshall Cook, this home - proudly positioned on an elevated site in Wood St, Freemans Bay and surrounded by character villas and bungalows - is an exemplary example of clever craftsmanship that melds past and present.

The site, 544sq m, has been maximised by a deceptively large and roomy home. Evoking exotic and evocative emotions, the impact of the home's size has been reduced at street level by positioning it towards the rear boundary.

This in turn has made the entry a feature. Double wooden doors open to banks of cedar windows on two sides and an exposed concrete block wall on the other. Textures and materials collide in a dramatic fusion tempting visitors to venture further into this exceptional home.

A central meeting place, the entry leads to the numerous wings or living spaces of the home.

Stepping up to the main living areas, stunning American maple sweeps guests towards the generous loggia, protected by wooden plantation shutters. From here, ever-changing views of the city and harbour are enjoyed while partaking in a cool white wine and late evening refreshments. Although it is hard to escape from this captivating area, looking back into the living areas evokes the senses further. The large space, and, according to the owners, the perfect venue for numerous parties, is subtly divided into a lounge, dining area and kitchen. The kitchen, complete with rewarewa cabinetry, a Viking gas oven and stainless benchtop, is ideal for entertaining. Part of the action, the space works well with the added advantage of a generously sized butler's pantry to the side in which to hide ingredients, a dishwasher and service sink.

The lounge, albeit large, is very welcoming. A Jetmaster fire with a stone surround and brass hearth add a touch of comfort, while the extensive glazing reminds you of the home's exceptional vantage point.

A discreet stairwell leads to the main bedroom and another living area that opens to a terrace. Capped with a vaulted roof, this floor offers yet another experience. Private, yet open, timber louvres on three sides of the main bedroom open to expose the stunning city views and provide a breezy existence during humid summer nights.

The en suite is complete with Fornisetti architectural tiles lining the shower and complemented by imported mosaic tiles on the walls. Accessed through a large, free-standing, walk-through wardrobe, this soothing ambience of the room provides a luxurious space to pamper and refresh weary bodies.

American maple continues in the living area. Surrounded by glass but made welcoming with wall-to-ceiling bookshelves, the gracious room opens to a tiled private terrace.

Below this is another bedroom suite, complete with en suite and dressing room. Originally designed as a storage area with a five-foot head height, the room is now sleeping quarters. The concrete walls insulate the area, making it perfect for teenagers, especially those with a bent for listening to loud music, or indeed making it.

The lower level is lined in American oak and has two bedrooms and a living area opening to a pretty lawn and garden. Separated from the rest of the house by a cavity slider, this area is an ideal retreat for children or elderly relatives. Complete with kitchenette, the light-filled lower level is yet another facet of the various living options this home offers.

Other features of the home include Philippe Starck taps in the guest toilet and at the main sink bench, heated oil-filled Tubor towel rails in the three bathrooms and scullery, custom-blended paint by Aalto Colour, a flagpole and an intercom system to keep track of family members.

The garden, which was designed by Michael Burton, is almost entirely planted with natives. At the seaward side of the house, the curve in the garden reflects the coastline and features strong native plants to complement the strong lines of the home. The only departures from natives are a fig and avocado tree - both of which, according to the owners, are now producing fine offerings.

A finalist in Home & Building's House of the Year awards in 1998 and the winner of the Resene Colour Award in 2000, this superbly designed home has added to the owners' enjoyment of life and their appreciation of design. Sadly having to downsize, they leave knowing this home will be of equal delight to the next privileged occupants.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 52 Wood St, Freemans Bay.

FEATURES: Marshall Cook-designed home with four bedrooms (with dressing rooms); one additional bathroom; powder room; three living areas; large loggia protected by wooden shutters; views of the harbour and city; lower floor designed to easily double as separate living quarters; double garage with internal access; butler's pantry off kitchen; separate laundry; Jetmaster fire; American maple and American oak floors; rewarewa cabinetry in kitchen; predominant internal timber Lawson cypress grown in Manawatu; Fornisetti tiles in en suite and butler's pantry; two Infinity hot water systems; native garden designed by Michael Burton; Viking gas oven; flagpole; security system, including smoke alarms; electronic gate; intercom system.

SIZE: Land area 544sq m; floor area 350sq m, excluding unenclosed deck.

AUCTION: 1pm, September 27, on site.

AGENTS: Fiona Mackenzie and Nicola Bull, Kellands Real Estate. Ph 302 2209 bus; Fiona 376 1537 ah; 021 968 880 mob; Nicola 524 4511 ah; 021 474 645 mob.