Remuera: Full of grace

VICKI HOLDER breathes the air of yesteryear as she takes in the charm and elegance of this grand Remuera residence.

Time slips back to the classical elegance of the 1930s when the heavy oak door opens to this handsome aristocrat on Remuera's northern slopes.

Balancing exquisite traditional features with modern luxury comforts, it's a grand city home that makes refined entertaining a memorable experience.

One of several homes in Auckland designed by architect Frederick Browne, it reflects the skill of craftsmen of the era in many beautifully preserved character features.

First to impress is the magnificent arched leadlight window that towers up through two levels of the home, bringing abundant light into the oak panelled entry foyer. To a lesser scale but just as intriguing are the slim leadlights on either side of the door, featuring ovals of milky glass. Beneath the sparkle of a crystal chandelier, crisp, chequerboard-style, black and white marble floors offset the warm tone of timber walls and add a strong Art Deco flavour.

Bevelled glass french doors feed directly into a generous lounge where double doors ease to an entertaining terrace around the pool. Training the eye across a fence along the street, the doors frame one of the first glimpses of a panoramic harbour view - with Rangitoto Island rising above the suburb of Orakei.

The room caters for wintry nights beside a big, open fire, whose warmth is enhanced by central heating. An adjacent sun room conjures a relaxed summery mood, peeling out to the garden through bifold windows and more french doors. When the hot weather threatens to dim the pleasure of summer, air conditioning brings the temperature down to a more palatable comfort.

Formal entertaining is at its best amidst the cosy ambience of panelled oak walls gathered around a black and white marble fireplace in the dining room. Traditional plate racks on the walls offer places to display the owner's pewter ware. And although the kitchen next door has been remodelled, the original servery is incorporated in the new design beneath leadlight glass doors. Drawers glide between both rooms to facilitate setting the table.

Much thought went into the design of the kitchen by the gentleman owner, a keen cook. He says, with its tried and true working triangle between the sinks, Gaggenau oven-hob, pantry and fridge, meal preparation is easy.

Masses of white cabinetry teams with a blue pearl granite bench where the chef can stand and peer out through bifold windows to a barbecue terrace in the garden. At night, lights shine from an inky, dark green ceiling, highlighting the patina of the parquet flooring that flows between the kitchen and an adjoining family room. The room doubles as a library with oak cabinetry and shelves built around two walls, concealing the television in the corner.

The stairwell features comfortable, wide steps - easy on the legs - and another beautiful window with lozenge shapes in the leadlighting. Turned oak balusters would cost an arm and a leg to reproduce today.

Two large front rooms on the upstairs level open to a sunny lounge where the sweeping harbour view bedazzles. Juliette balconies allow a breath of fresh air from rooms at the front and back. Saving a trip downstairs when you're enjoying the afternoon sun, a kitchen hides behind bifolds in the master bedroom. There's a long dressing room behind the bed and additional storage in a box room, big enough to use as a study, at the top of the stairs. While there's just a powder room off the entry downstairs, a family bathroom with spa bath and shower upstairs is complemented by a separate toilet and bidet.

A porte-cochere over the entry allows the owners to park the car undercover. But a double garage is just a step from the back door. To the rear, a temperature-controlled wine cellar and kitchenette are handy to the barbecue for outdoor entertaining. And while the grounds of the property are designed to be low maintenance, a level, grassy lawn is just big enough for the children to kick a ball or practise golf. In its handy location between Remuera and Newmarket, this property is well-endowed with features to suit a variety of family tastes.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 3 Westbourne Rd, Remuera.

FEATURES: Elegant 1930s character home with modern comforts; oak panelled foyer and dining room; panoramic harbour and city views from both levels; large formal lounge; sun rooms on both levels; family living area/library; modern kitchen; four bedrooms; swimming pool and sunny entertaining terrace; security gates; double garage and porte-cochere; temperature-controlled wine cellar; barbecue area; level lawn; central vac system; grammar zone.

SIZE: Land area 771sq m.

AUCTION: 11am, July 30, at Barfoot & Thompson's city rooms.

AGENT: Wendy Oliver, Barfoot & Thompson, Remuera. Ph 524 0149 bus; 0274 500 300 mob.