Kumeu: Charming

By CEDRIC GRAY

The charming kauri cottage would catch the eye in any city suburb. Yet here, 2km from Kumeu, it has vineyards and farmland as its neighbours. And it has occupied the same 1401sq m site on Farrand Rd, a country lane, for more than 80 years.

The cottage was built by Arthur and Bert Farrand who bought 40ha of land in 1911. While the brothers - and gangs of diggers - worked the land for kauri gum resin, it was occupied by two sisters who milked cows and carried the cream can to the road about 10 minutes away.

It was a modest two-bedroom cottage with polished floors, surrounded by beautifully manicured lawns and gardens. The gardens are still a picture, with rimu, kauri, weeping cherry, liquidambar, magnolia and a variety of fruit trees continuing to flourish.

Successive owners have lovingly restored and extended the cottage to an exceptionally high standard of craftsmanship. The modern appliances and fashionable furnishings in no way interfere with the quaint charm of yesteryear.

Owned by Peter and Mary Brookes, it now has four bedrooms, a gracious lounge and a cosy kitchen-family living area. A pretty front veranda and a semi-enclosed courtyard provide ideal outdoor entertaining areas.

French doors open from the veranda to the lounge, with its high stud and polished timber floors. A wooden fire surround is thought to have been carved by a previous owner.

Conveniently located between the lounge and kitchen, the family room works as a warm central hub, heated by an efficient woodburner.

The cornflower-blue kitchen incorporates a breakfast bar. There is ample storage in wrap-around cabinets and a large corner pantry. Rimu from the original cottage has been used in display shelving, with timber trims and accent tiling providing cohesive decorating elements. The kitchen flows into a well-designed utility area with the laundry and storage behind cupboards. The refurbished bathroom is tiled and incorporates both shower and bath with a pedestal basin.

Fitted into the extension at the rear of the cottage, the master bedroom - with french doors opening to the garden - features a lofty ceiling that adds grandeur to an elegant room. There is a cute kid's bedroom nearby, an upstairs bedroom and a fourth bedroom off the main lounge.

The couple has further enhanced the cottage with a matching garage-workshop, which looks as though it has occupied the site since day one.

The property, which is close to the Kumeu showgrounds, is being auctioned tomorrow (July 4) by Norwest Realty. Contact Mary Massara, ph 412 6279 or 021 412 622.