AUCTION:
August 18 (unless sold prior) 6.30pm, 349 Manukau Rd, Epsom.
On August 3, 1932, Mr and Mrs Arthur Newdick of 5 Goldsmith Rd, Epsom, gave a dance at their residence in honour of the birthday of Mr S. Ward, of Richmond Rd, reported a local paper. "The reception room and lounge were used for dancing, large bowls of wattle and arum lilies and high stands of daffodils being used in decoration."
About 70 years later and only one further owner after that happy occasion, Tania and Philip Bracey became guardians of this classic Arts and Crafts property and set about turning it into an elegant, modern home without compromising its remarkable character.
"We saw so much potential as soon as we walked in the door. It was completely original with not even a tacky 1960s or 70s kitchen renovation to dismantle, and parts of the house were very dark and gloomy," says Tania.
"There were only two bedrooms and they were huge so we had plenty to play with."
The Braceys engaged an architect sympathetic to the dwelling and its era and the result of their giant building project is a seamless blend of old and new.
The house with its black shingle exterior and distinctive round windows is reached via a pebble path.
The front door opens directly into the large lobby and lounge with its elegant columns and decorative ceiling panels. In such a grand setting it's easy to imagine that long-ago night of dancing.
Intricate panelling, glowing rimu floorboards and arched doorways are just some of the many design features that have stood the test of time and in fact look better than ever. In the huge dining room, Philip and Tania's talented builder has painstakingly recreated the original three-dimensional wall panels so well it's impossible to distinguish the old from the new.
Image 1 of 6: Painstaking attention to detail during renovations means intricate design features look better than ever. Photos / Ted Baghurst
Through in the kitchen and family living area it's warm and cosy thanks to central heating. The units themselves are smart and streamlined and Tania enjoys the bonus of a combined laundry and scullery just around the corner.
"We had a catered function here recently and the caterers simply set themselves up in there, right away from the guests."
Also on this level is the master bedroom, which has copious wardrobe space and an elegant modern en suite.
The couple have two children, Ashleigh and Derryn, who are now grown-up and the second storey was built with them in mind.
"As soon as we realised how much space there was up in the roof we knew we'd be foolish not to make the most of it," says Philip.
Anything that had been taken out in the course of renovation work below was used up here so all the decorative features remain in keeping with the rest of the house.
A bright little study or children's rumpus is followed by three bedrooms, an office, family bathroom and lots of cleverly concealed storage. The bathroom has views to One Tree Hill.
In summer there's plenty of room for relaxing outside the house -- which is fully fenced -- including tall hedges, which Philip painstakingly manicures on a regular basis.
Like so many couples in their age group, Philip and Tania have recently realised that the house is too big for them.
"We hardly ever go upstairs these days so we're considering moving to a town house or apartment," says Tania.
