Remuera: Turning back the clock

Oozing the character and charm of its era, this unpretentious property is one of the old school - with a few mod cons thrown in for the modern family. By VICKI HOLDER.

From its expansive site on the cliff in Remuera, a grand old homestead reigns over one of the finest views in Auckland.

Bordered by a sweeping lawn, which is the length and breadth of several cricket pitches, the house gazes over lavender bordering a low rock wall on the boundary that links the far corners of the property. A craggy pohutukawa guards the family's privacy at one end and a massive oak does the same at the other.

Like a dazzling blue amphitheatre, Orakei Basin curves around the house, which looks further out to Auckland's inner harbour. The dramatic city skyline shapes the horizon to the west and the hills of Orakei rise in a gentle bank of green to the east.

Quietly watching the city grow and take shape over the years, this beautiful family home still offers the spacious, tranquil mood of the countryside. A private sanctuary seldom encountered so close to the city, it's surrounded by mature trees while sheltering from any road noise behind a full-size, floodlit Astroturf tennis court.

This end of Remuera has seen a lot of development with many older homes being replaced by large, new, architecturally-designed houses. On its enormous double section, this is one of the few that has remained true to its original character since it was built in the 1920s. And although it retains the laid-back charm of its era, it has been improved and added to, to cater for the demands of modern family living.

The most significant addition has been the four-car, internal-access garaging at the top of the drive. Above it, a new master suite provides a large fourth bedroom with his-and-hers dressing rooms. Framed by caramel and cream plaid drapes, french doors open to the long veranda that spans the front of the house. A huge white tiled en suite, with substantial his-and-hers vanities, sits to the rear.

At the other end, terraced timber decks off the living area enclose a swimming pool behind unobtrusive glass balustrades. Framed in silvered cedar, glass bifold doors can be drawn from the house along the deck to shelter sunbathers from the wind without blocking the afternoon sun or water views.

Entering the front door is like turning back time. Herringbone parquet floors have a rich, polished patina, which is testimony to their age. The parquet flows next door into a large billiard room, which is ideal for a children's playroom.

Sisal adds a rustic, natural touch on the way to the garage and wine cellar. A guest wing on the lower floor lets visitors hide away in the peace and quiet of a double bedroom with an en suite.

Stairs rise into the living area, which makes the most of the view through windows and doors along the entire northern aspect.

Polished timber floors extend between a grand lounge and a formal dining room. Graced by the generous proportions found in sprawling country homes, both rooms have a comfortable, subdued elegance. The tall ceilings are battened and painted white. Wider-than-average french doors ease out to the veranda, which is shaded by a pergola laced with white wisteria to the lawn.

Winter comfort is enhanced by central under-floor heating, and Cararra marble fireplaces heighten the convivial mood when friends and family gather to be entertained.

The dining room opens into a practical modern kitchen and family area, which is filled with light. Casual diners can sit at a big Corian island bench packed with storage underneath, or breathe in the sea air from the breakfast table just inside the french doors. A corner invites you to put your feet up and soak up sun from dawn to dusk.

Behind the living area, each of the three large bedrooms and the study (or fourth bedroom) has an en suite or the use of a modern white bathroom nearby.

Hiding in obscurity, this unpretentious home with abundant spaces and spectacular outlook remains one of Auckland's best-kept secrets.

Vital statistics

ADDRESS: 100 Lucerne Rd, Remuera.

FEATURES: 1920s character homestead on double section; clifftop position overlooking Orakei Basin, inner harbour and the city; four bedrooms plus study; billiard room; formal entertaining areas; four bathrooms, including three en suites; master bedroom with two dressing rooms; under-floor central heating; swimming pool and spa; four-car garaging; floodlit tennis court.

SIZE: Land area 2269sq m; floor area 400sq m.

TENDER CLOSES: Wednesday, December 11, at 4pm.

AGENTS: Greg Gibson and Grant Lynch, Unlimited Potential, Remuera. Ph Greg 529 5216 bus; 0274 940 049 mob; Grant 529 0592 bus, 0274 965 655 mob.