Remuera: One to treasure

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Remuera is this fabulous family home oozing character, charm and a fair selection of modern touches. By VICKI HOLDER.

As the city continues to swallow up valuable land, big properties like this - down a right-of-way in Remuera - are all the more treasured. For they encapsulate a disappearing tradition that's a glorious mix of generous space, fine old architecture and quality construction.

Retaining a host of original character features, the homestead has been extended over the years and recently updated to cater for a busy family lifestyle.

Protected from traffic noise in park-like gardens, where the expansive lawns are dotted with old trees, the property steps gently down the valley, merging at the bottom with the Waiata Reserve. The drive sweeps around well-established older bones of the garden to meet a gracious English-style home built in the 1920s.

The original designer was an architect by the surname of Moses, who later changed his name to Taylor, with practices in England and Auckland. Better known for his design of the Smith & Caughey building in Queen St, Moses lavished the interior of this home with the gracious English character typical of its period. A second level added in 1928 gains beautiful views north from the bedrooms through a towering phoenix palm and grand oaks.

The intricately carved oak panelling in the entrance hall was made in England and shipped to Auckland. Each of the designs - in little circular motifs around the walls - depicts a curious image of the built and natural environment.

The elegantly patterned leadlights in the window overlooking the garden were later reproduced in the door to a music room addition. The room is soundproofed and the walls panelled to reflect the original character of the home.

The ceramic tiles around the coal fire in the formal lounge are Royal Doulton. The setting is framed by a delicate trim of oak inlays that appear to have been taken from another home in England.

While the fire throws out a fierce heat, gas heating keeps the house warm in winter. French doors open from the music room and lounge to a deep veranda across the entry, which helps shade the rooms from the intense summer light. The pale grey silk curtains around the french doors have lasted 20 years and remain in pristine condition.

The original dark, disjointed rooms around the corner were opened up and transformed into one big, light-filled dining room and kitchen with timber parquet flooring. Topped by a blue pearl granite benchtop, the steel blue kitchen revolves around a working island with a timber top. An assortment of modern appliances include a Bosch dishwasher, Miele hob and St George wall oven.

Spilling outdoors through glass bifolds, this relaxed, informal area adjoins a sheltered, terracotta-tiled entertaining courtyard embracing a heated swimming pool. Architect Simon Carnachan extended the area by adding a high, pitched, glazed roof straddling the courtyard at one end. Guests can enjoy a drink around the cosy heat of an outdoor gas fire, come rain or shine. Concealed in the far wall, a handy bathroom or changing room saves wet feet trooping through the house.

Well-endowed with living areas for every purpose, the house invites the family to hunker down at night in a warm library or TV room. There's a sewing room along the passage downstairs and exceptional built-in storage under the eaves.

The four large upstairs bedrooms incorporate interesting ceiling angles. The master bedroom has been extended and renovated with soft corn-hued walls and silky drapes. Generous his-and-hers dressing rooms are fitted with easy-access drawers, shelves and racks. When it rains, a skylight in the modern en suite shuts automatically.

An internal access leads down to the double garaging and a workroom with storage below. On the other side of the drive, a large office or sleepout adjoins more double garaging. This modern room basks in the beauty of the trees beside the park, and the owner is often treated to glimpses of wood pigeons landing on the branch just outside the window.

The garden features an automatic irrigation system and a security device along the drive alerts the family when someone enters the property.

Centrally located in great school zones, this beautiful property in the heart of Remuera is a quiet haven for a family seeking wonderful living, working and entertaining opportunities.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 48 Orakei Rd, Remuera.

FEATURES: Large, older property with architecturally designed and extended English character homestead on two levels; property merges with Waiata Reserve; separate office or sleepout; four bedrooms; two bathrooms and one en suite; formal and family living with new kitchen and dining area; sheltered courtyard with heated swimming pool; outdoor fire; gas heating; polished floors; leadlight windows; four-car garaging with internal access; security system; water tank for garden irrigation; zoned 2B.

SIZE: Land area 1656sq m.

TENDER CLOSES: 4pm, May 22.

AGENT: Leila MacDonald and Mark Hamilton, Barfoot & Thompson. Ph Leila 524 0149 bus; 021 928 926 mob; Mark 528 0775 bus; 025 968 333 mob.