Parnell: Silk Purse

Big-time renovations have transformed this Parnell home into a fabulous family residence where old meets new in stunning style. By VICKI HOLDER.

Traditional craftsmanship is seamlessly integrated with modern technology in this totally reconstructed, timeless, New England-style home.

Not so long ago, big, bold, bronze aluminium windows added as a fashion statement in the 1970s did little to enhance the home in one of the Parnell's most desirable streets. But after a top-to-toe restoration, the windows have disappeared. And the house is no longer at odds with its smart, traditional neighbours.

Originally designed by A C Jeffreys and built in 1947, the home still had some architectural merit with character features like rimu floors. However, it had been tampered with at several stages and pokey add-ons ceased to be functional.

When the new owner, Richard Cleave of Newport Projects, bought it, he was undecided whether to retain it as his family home or to reconstruct and restore it to sell. As a perfectionist, he could see the value in finishing the property inside and out to the highest possible standards. So he proceeded, keeping his options open.

Richard brought in a team of designers to evaluate how best to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. He'd worked with architect Alistair Madill in the past, so Alistair was enlisted to help make better use of the space and incorporate an extensive list of high-tech, modern systems, such as security and sound. His brief was to provide four bedrooms and two bathrooms upstairs with generous family living and separate formal entertainment areas on the ground floor, as well as a study.

Interior designer Sylvia Sandford was engaged to do the interior finishes, while landscaper Glenn Sharpe created low-maintenance outdoor rooms to extend the home's living areas.

Before plans were finalised, everyone came together to ensure their ideas complemented one another in a cohesive overall design. Now that the home is completed, it's impossible to tell what is original and what is new. Originally the footprint of the house stopped where a new kitchen and family living area begins. This spacious and sunny area spills out through bifold doors to a barbecue terrace. Dropping down some steps, it continues into a sheltered pool area with a small courtyard behind enclosed by hedging. Compact yet functional, it can be lit up in the evenings with copper lights in plastered walls.

Water trickling down a blue-tiled feature wall at the edge of the pool make it all the more enticing, especially on a hot summer day. A jacaranda tree in the corner gives the garden maturity, even though most of it is new.

The entry to the home was much improved by dark-oiled rimu floors that contrast with the white walls. A cloak cupboard under the stairs houses security systems where controls for the alarm monitor and gate access are integrated.

Cavity doors open to a cosy lounge warmed by a traditional charcoal-coloured fireplace. The room adjoins the formal dining area, which has been enlarged slightly. Both areas flow to a terrace and a small, private front garden surrounded by rotund Portuguese laurels contained in box hedging. Leafy copper chandeliers hanging from the ceilings in the entry and dining area are a contemporary twist.

Away from the family living and entertaining areas, a study opens to a juliette balcony. A proper laundry was also added, with appliances beneath an acrylic stone benchtop alongside the original enamel sink.

Upstairs, the architect managed to accommodate four double bedrooms, the master suite and a second bedroom with views to Rangitoto Island. Although the stunning black-tiled en suite and the white-tiled family bathroom are internal rooms - skylights in the ceiling make them light and airy.

Two rear bedrooms open to a loggia overlooking the pool. Careful attention to detail, such as the aged window joinery, lends a classical ambience to the rooms.

To preserve the look of the house from the street, his-and-her garages were constructed on either side of the fence.

Much thought has gone into the planning and creation of this immaculately presented home. Although it is on a compact site, it offers exceptional style and lock-up-and-leave comfort for the modern family.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 23 Awatea St, Parnell.

FEATURES: Totally reconstructed and superbly restored home by Newport Projects; four bedrooms; study; two living areas; two bathrooms (one en suite); prominently positioned in quiet Parnell street; all-day sun; professionally landscaped; pool plumbed for gas heating; alarm system and security gate with electronic locking keypad and intercom; harbour views; central vacuum system; cedar shingle and copper roof.

SIZE: Floor area 328.5sq m.

AUCTION: 6.30pm, December 10, on site.

AGENT: Cheryl Whiting, Premium Real Estate, Parnell. Ph 303 3369 bus; 0274 976 221 mob.