Remuera: Historic delight

VICKI HOLDER samples the sumptuous elegance of Cotter House, one of the city's grandest old dames.

One of Auckland's five oldest residences, Cotter House survives as a handsome expression of lavish British regency style. Enhanced by a meticulous refurbishment, it marries European flair with 21st century comforts to provide sumptuous accommodation for travellers as a five-star bed and breakfast.

The grand two-storey home hidden behind the Remuera Library was originally built in 1837 for a magistrate and his family. Convicts used to spend the night while on transfer to prison further out in the suburbs in a large cellar under the stairs. Such an ample dark cave makes an excellent place to stash the wine today.

A later extension added a barrel-vaulted ballroom, maids' quarters and an internal kitchen area. Now often used for wedding receptions, the ballroom with its tall sarked ceiling spills out to an expansive marble terrace and a sheltered swimming pool. Prior to becoming a bed and breakfast, it was an enormous playspace for young children. The maids' quarters has in recent years been turned into a comfortable owners' apartment with a marble en suite and a small lounge off the bedroom.

Despite periods of near dereliction, the integrity of the original regency design has been well preserved. In this latest chapter, its French-born owner, interior designer Gloria Poupard-Walbridge, in conjunction with architect Lindley Naismith set out to honour and highlight the period character in a lavish makeover incorporating modern luxuries and conveniences.

There were few necessary architectural changes. The only structural work involved large cupboard spaces reconfigured as luxurious marble bathrooms upstairs. Windows that had been altered in the 1950s were recreated in the regency style of the originals.

It was not an easy task, though, for they had to deal with the unusual triple-layer brick construction on stone foundations while piping the house for gas heating and rewiring for direct dial phones, the internet, digital television and smoke alarm systems. But the result is stunning. For the typically ornate regency detailing provides a rich and fascinating backdrop to the owners' unusual collection of art and iconography.

Guests can marvel at the magnificent details as they relax in adjoining twin sitting rooms where tall sash windows form bays peering into the expansive gardens. Regency characteristics include the egg-and-dart cornice mouldings, internal arches, light fittings, travertine fireplaces and painted timber interior shutters. Light can be totally shut out by ingeniously designed shutters. By day, these fold back in slim partitions, which slot into recesses to form neat panels on either side of the windows.

Striking tasselled fabric window treatments in Biedermeier stripes of black and gold and Marie Antoinette blue with black were colour schemes popular in European interiors during the regency period.

There's a comfortable connection between the living rooms, dining room and ballroom, facilitating an easy flow for guests when entertaining. The dining room is a splendid room with a deep Art Nouveau leather frieze around the top of the walls.

Imported from France, the new English manor-style kitchen was designed with entertaining in mind. Gloria is a keen chef and needed to ensure the kitchen not only suited the style of the house, but was functional when cooking for large numbers. Acres of dark oak cabinetry and granite benchtops spread out beneath a low, silvered ceiling. The latter, along with stainless steel appliances, add a sharp sheen to lighten the weighty oakiness of the timber.

Prior to the renovation, the space was two rooms. Having opened it up into one, there is now plenty of space adjacent to the kitchen for a family living area or an area to have breakfast. Laundry appliances are discreetly hidden behind oak cabinets along one wall.

Upstairs, four sumptuous guest bedrooms immerse guests in stylish comfort. In each, you feel as if you have left Auckland to land in some smart European country hotel. The rooms have lounge-like proportions and are furnished with extravagant window dressings. Crystal chandeliers dazzle from the ceilings. In the en suites, marble is used extensively on the floors and walls. Every bathroom is a different design, yet they are all thoughtfully detailed with glamorous European fittings to make bathtime a real experience.

With its generous, beautiful interiors, this historic delight offers a variety of options for the future either as a gracious family home or a business proposition.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 4 Vincent Ave, Remuera.

FEATURES: Renovated regency-style home or bed and breakfast; two large adjoining living areas; formal dining room; new oak and granite kitchen; office; ballroom or enormous children's playroom; four guest suites plus owners' suite; four bathrooms; swimming pool; large grounds.

SIZE: Land area 1400sq m.

PRICE INDICATOR: Around $3 million.

AGENT: Leila MacDonald, Barfoot & Thompson. Ph 524 0149 bus; 021 928 926 mob.