The comeback kid

A canny survivor from the Edwardian age has not only dodged demolition but gracefully embraced a cool, modern interior. IRIS STONE steps inside

Tucked away in Herne Bay, an original Edwardian brick terraced house, nearly wiped out in the 1980s, will see in the new millennium with a new, contemporary edge.

Now on the market, few buyers gazing up at its austere, balconied facade could guess at the inspiring, fashionable interior that lies within.

This home is part of Stichbury Terrace, a rare heritage building in the area and a source of local pride. The row of sturdy houses was built around 1915 as quality rental properties for James Stichbury, an Englishman who settled in New Zealand in 1861, went into business as an auctioneer and later became a city councillor for the Ponsonby ward.

However, by the early 1980s, the terraces had fallen into disrepair and squatters had moved in.

The owners sold the building and an adjoining section to the Church of the Latter Day Saints. Earmarked for demolition, Stichbury Terrace was to be replaced by a 400-seat church and recreation hall.

But the locals protested and their campaign saved the terrace. A local developer bought the terrace as a whole in 1981 and undertook extensive renovation, turning each home into luxury accommodation.

Stichbury Terrace was built well and is still extremely sound, and, despite its down-at-heel period, has survived with many of its original features intact.
This particular home has recently undergone further refurbishment to make it more attuned to modern lifestyle needs. Full of Arts-and-Crafts-style character, the house now boasts a stylish, contemporary feel.

Panelled timber dados and living areas have been painted an all-over, matt white. While the effect of the original profile remains, the atmosphere is crisp and light.

Pristine matai floors and Indian-style, bell-shaped glass lights enhance the pared-back simplicity of the interior.

From the entrance hall at the front, the living room looks on to a tessellated-tile balcony through paned windows decorated with small, coloured leaded lights at the top.

At one time the hall led directly through to the kitchen. But someone has devised clever storage solutions by blocking the door off and turning the space, on the hall side, into a cupboard with an attractive, custom-designed, forged-iron front. A deep, glazed pantry sits on the other side, providing extra shelving in the kitchen.

This warm, sunny room overlooks a small garden and covered carport accessed from the Curran St driveway.

Exposed brick, tongue-and-groove-clad walls and timber shelves and bench provide a rustic foil for the sheen of crockery, glassware and today's ubiquitous stainless steel kitchen accessories. The old and new coexist again with the inclusion of both a modern stove and the old coal range.

An opening that was once a servery has become the double-door entry to a dramatic dining space with its striking iron chandelier and coal fire (in working order.) A most unusual feature, evocative of the era the terrace was built in, is a deep recess which runs along one side of the room, housing a low timber bench.

Steps from the kitchen lead downstairs past ficus-covered walls to an area used as a third bedroom and laundry, with a tiny lavatory outside.

There's enough space outside to pull up a chair or two. But why bother when you can sit on the pretty rear balcony upstairs and be transfixed by an outstanding harbour view?

Stairs, lit from above by a period-style lead-light window, take you to two large bedrooms. These rooms overlook the back and front balconies - the architect behind the remodelling seizing every opportunity to give an external focus to each of the floors.

Endowed with all the character of an older room, the bathroom suffers none of the inconvenience. Like the kitchen below, this space glows with the warmth of timber.

Flooring, tongue-and-groove to dado and a timber bench with a built-in towel rack are all enhanced by the pretty floral porcelain basin, bath and lavatory.
This pristine survivor of a much earlier Auckland is a rare find, appealing equally to both the fashion-conscious and lovers of period homes.

Vital statistics

Address: Stichbury Terrace, 89-95 Jervois Road, Herne Bay.

Features: Three levels of solidly built, character interiors; balconies project from either side of the building on two levels; harbour views; carport; four coal fireplaces in working order; quality light fittings.

Size: 170 sq m.

Price: By negotiation.

Agents: Tricia Lafferty, First National Meo Realty. Ph 378 1500; 360 1624 ah; 021 611 205 mob.