Herne Bay: Traditional values

An outstanding blend of the old and the new, this superb low-maintenance home provides a character-filled family haven, writes VICKI HOLDER.

Without lawns for easy-care city living, this large home in Herne Bay is designed to be many things to different people.

With outstanding harbour views, it has flexible spaces offering up to six bedrooms for a family. When extra bedrooms are not needed, they can revert to studies, retreats and spill-over sitting areas for expansive townhouse-style living on a separate title without the commitment of a big garden.

Designed by architect Bart Meo, with interiors by Neil McLachlan, the house blends many traditional elements with the best of the new in what the owner describes as "classic New World architecture".

Although it's a vast house, the smoky grey timber weatherboards are broken up with wide vertical planks and balustrades on the upstairs balconies.

It looks brand new, but it started out as an old villa on a corner site. Working with the original footprint eased the way around town planning regulations to gain more site coverage than is permitted in a new home. As is often the case when rebuilding, the intention was to preserve many of the windows and walls, but this proved too difficult.

The discerning owner was keen that the interior details should contribute to a traditional feel. The high ceilings and tall, oversized doors are battened, and the timber columns in the entry and dividing the formal sitting room from the dining have a stepped detail. A subtle motif, it is followed through in the architraves, skirtings and stone fireplace. The windows feature t-crossbar designs that give character.

According to McLachlan, the house relies heavily on classical materials used in a contemporary way. For example, extensive travertine marble is used in the sleek, modern bathrooms, including two en suites in the guest and master bedrooms. Jarrah floors add rich flavour in the entry foyer, kitchen and family areas. The balustrade on the stairway is also jarrah, and different combinations of grey and fawn carpet weave through the downstairs rooms.

Some strong client choices punch through a neutral colour background. Red walls add a sense of intimacy in the dining area, and help to break up the vast, open space.

The powder room always provides a chance to be whimsical, says McLachlan. "It's a mad, little room," he remarks, wallpapered in a luscious, chocolate paisley from Brunschwig & Fils of New York.

The textiles are the finest European fabrics from a variety of houses. Every room, except the more simply furnished family sitting areas, feature heavily bumphed drapes and crisp romans in different patterns. Contemporary florals in the bedrooms soften the mood and emphasise the pitched ceilings.

Lighting plays an important role in creating atmosphere at night. Rather than lining up in the centre of rooms, halogens are placed along the edges to softly wash the light down walls and columns. Most lights are on dimmers so the mood can be endlessly altered. The contemporary, square glass feature lights are mainly from Fabbian Lighting, including the rectangular chandelier above the dining table and the glass plane that perches above the mantelpiece in the sitting room.

The house is on three levels, with internal-access double garaging plus wine cellar, laundry and storage in the lower level. Most of the living areas are at street level. Formal living is at one end and family areas spill outside from the kitchen at the other.

With stainless-steel detailing on the cabinetry and in the kickboard to match the appliances, the galley-style kitchen opens across a long, stainless-steel and black basalt island bench to french doors opening to the terrace. The drawers are fitted with dividers and shelves roll out from crockery pantries for easy access.

Three rooms could function as bedrooms downstairs. One of these sits beyond bifold doors off the family room. The other two open from the hall. The guest and master suites are upstairs. The master boasts a prime, north-facing position with french doors opening to a large, private balcony with views reaching from Rangitoto Island and the harbour bridge to the Chelsea Sugar Works and Waitakere Ranges. A stunning blue bedroom or sitting area shares the balcony.

Completed just days ago, this striking new home sits in a pretty, easy-care garden landscaped by Price Humphries. Finished to the highest standard, it's equipped with generous spaces and every luxury to make living in this much-coveted position as comfortable as it gets.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 12 Marine Pde, Herne Bay.

FEATURES: Extensively reconstructed, traditional three-level home by architect Bart Meo with interiors by Neil McLachlan; 4-6 bedrooms; three and a half bathrooms with German tapware; designer kitchen with Ilve gas burner and oven, GEC fridge-freezer; Bosch whiteware in laundry; wine cellar; internal-access double garaging; gas central heating plus fireplace in sitting room; weatherboard exterior; Colorsteel roof; cedar joinery; copper external plumbing; sandstone pavers at entry and terrace; two reflection ponds at entry; petanque court; fully walled with steel gates.

SIZE: Land area approx 524sq m; floor area approx 400sq m, including garage and first-floor balcony.

TENDER: Closes 4pm, June 12.

AGENT: Jan George, Ray White Damerell Earwaker, Ponsonby. Ph 376 2186 bus; 0274 784 119 mob.