Classic Remuera perfection

By VICKI HOLDER

Almost inconspicuous from the road, this large estate in Remuera lures you into its fold, gradually revealing the full extent of its garden splendour.

Built in 1926, the house was designed by Noel Bamford who drew inspiration from the classical country style of English architect Edwin Lutyens. With its restrained detailing, the house bears a charming, old-world, European elegance, clad in steel-blue horizontal weatherboards broken up by small-paned windows and french doors.

In 1986, it was substantially extended and the kitchen/breakfast area modernised by the late architect Robert Paterson. Modern luxuries, such as central heating, were installed.

Entering the broad driveway, the house seems deceptively diminutive. Hedges skirt the steps to a garden courtyard, allowing just a peep of a pretty white entry porch. Further down into this sheltered space, the house spreads out and begins to show its true proportions. Bit by bit, you get a snippet of the rambling beauty of a huge, park-like garden flowing down the valley, which has featured in Auckland's Trinity Garden Festival.

On either side of the bricked front path, the neatly clipped formal box hedges struggle to contain the vigorous growth of standard white roses, busy lizzies and camellias. The door opens into a long, wide passage, which leads to all the living areas. Solid, dark ceiling beams and narrow, timber floorboards give the passage an English Arts & Crafts flavour.

Visitors are welcomed by two adjoining formal rooms reaching out across a covered veranda, where gracious, white, arched windows frame views of the garden valley. Rugs strewn across the jarrah floors and soft subdued furnishing colours add a restful, traditional European atmosphere that ties the rooms together. Sumptuous swagged drapes fall from exquisite gilt rods above the beautiful leadlight windows and doors.

After dining, guests are lured to the convivial atmosphere of the lounge. In winter, a big open fire blazes above the hearth framed in a marble and white timber surround. In summer, the french doors remain open, linking a terracotta-tiled barbecue area under a pergola to the veranda and the formal rooms.

The owners relax by day in the spacious kitchen and breakfast area that looks out to a semi-circular conservatory designed by Paterson. Sunlight pours onto the timber floor through five sets of french doors leading to the front garden. So pretty is the effect of the white timberwork with the lush green of the garden backdrop that curtains are unnecessary.

More a cosy night-time spot, the second family living area doubles as a library and television room. Saving the walk down the passage to the kitchen for a drink, a bar with a fridge is discreetly concealed behind cupboard doors.

Away from the rest of the family at the far end of the house, the master bedroom looks out to the garden through arched leadlight windows, which are dressed in pretty drapes – floral, swagged and tasselled. A fitted, walk-through dressing room shows the way to a large en suite with double vanity, corner spa bath and marble shower.

Two more bedrooms are tucked away down the broad, carpeted staircase. The rooms open to a deck and share a second bathroom. Also downstairs is a spacious office that opens to the deck.

Seen from the garden with rambling roses clinging to the house around the veranda, the house takes on the romantic appearance of a grand Mediterranean villa. The garden is a riot of pastel blooms exploding against a cool green haze, which assures privacy from the neighbours.

An easy path meanders down the lawn to the salt-water swimming pool, which is a tranquil oasis beneath the majestic boughs of a Chinese poplar and large palm trees. It's just the place to end the perfect day.

Vital statistics

Address: 42 Mainston Rd, Remuera.

Features: Character home hidden on garden estate with views; adjoining formal dining and lounge; kitchen/family room conservatory; television room; study; three bedrooms, master with walk-through dressing room and en suite; salt-water swimming pool; Astroturf tennis court; double garage.

Size: Land area 3525 sq m.

Auction: On site at 12.15pm, March 24.

Agent: Alex Baker, Harcourts. Ph 520 8104 dir; 521 4484 ah; 025 579 805 mob.