No expense spared on classic Freemans Bay villa

The recent renovation of this vast home in Freemans Bay has more than doubled its size to create a fabulous five-bedroom property, writes VICKY HOLDER.

Rick and Sally Kerse recognised the huge potential of this classic villa when they bought the house three years ago.

Using earthmoving machinery, they excavated under the house and levelled off the back of the section to create a private garden. Where there was once a messy shed with rotten floorboards downstairs, there is now a family bathroom, a laundry and utility room, and four generous bedrooms that open to a wrap-around terrace.

The matai floors offset the simple black and white colour scheme. The windows in three of the bedrooms feature voluminous white curtains, while the fourth, which is used as a playroom, includes a midnight blue feature wall teamed with blue and gold curtains.

Almost as much room lay unused under the eaves in the attic. By installing grand timber stairs in the entry foyer to match the kauri floors in the rest of the house, they gained access to a vast carpeted area on the third level. They converted this space into a library, an enormous gym, and his and hers offices with magificent views of the city and Rangitoto Island.

The old home was a fairly dilapidated rabbit warren of small, dimly lit rooms. Apart from the floors, virtually everything on the middle level was ripped out to allow the architect to design a more practical and modern layout.

The property's original character has been preserved with demolition kauri and traditional villa-style internal doors, joinery and fittings. The house has been opened up to the light and the views, and the french and bifold doors extend the formal and family living areas to the large, wrap-around decks.

The formal living and dining space is warmed by a log fire set in an elegant, black, traditional, timber surround. It is next to the main bedroom, which opens north to the sun and harbour views. A large white en suite bathroom opens from the walk-through dressing room. The traditional fittings include a black and white clawfoot bath and twin pedestal basins beneath slim glass storage shelves. A guest bathroom is off the entry foyer.

The family area, which has gas heating and a fireplace, opens in the other direction. It incorporates a tall timber kitchen with two Simpson ovens beneath a gas hob. The hob sits between the above-the-bench bifold doors, and the fridge/freezer is behind timber doors to give a seamless look to the cabinetry.

The front of the house features extensive paving that creates an easy, level flow from the family living area. Stone steps lead from the gate to the foyer. Behind the double garage, a fabulous swimming pool beckons from a fenced outdoor living area. Capturing the sun from morning to night, an extensive courtyard and barbecue area features a free-standing fireplace set in a low wall trimmed with box hedging.

No corners have been cut or expense spared in creating this huge, three-storey home and garden that oozes quality at every turn.

Vital statistics

Address: 23 Arthur St, Freemans Bay.

Features: Extensively renovated villa on three levels with city and harbour views; five bedrooms, main bedroom with dressing room and en suite; two living areas; two-and-a-half bathrooms; library; his and hers studies; gym; double garage; swimming pool with water feature; paved outdoor barbecue area with fireplace; landscaped gardens and lawn; gas bayonet heating plus two fireplaces; security system.

Size: Land area 718 sq m.

Agents: Brian & Jan Parish, Barfoot & Thompson, Ponsonby. Ph 376 3039 bus; 307 2555 ah; 021 924 858 mob; Dean Wotherspoon, Barfoot & Thompson, Devonport. Ph 445 2010 bus; 445 3418 ah; 025 775 542 mob.