Contemporary take on 100-year-old villa

22 Arthur St, Freemans Bay. Photo / Ted Baghurst.

22 ARTHUR ST, FREEMANS BAY

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SIZE: Land 527sq m, house (approx) 250sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: Properties of this high quality and size generally sell in excess of $2 million in this area. Auction May 2 (unless sold prior).

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 1-1.30pm

ON THE WEB: barfoot.co.nz/474109

SCHOOL ZONES: Freemans Bay School, Ponsonby Intermediate and Western Springs College.

CONTACT: Carl Madsen, Barfoot & Thompson, ph 021 953 152

FEATURES: *Undercovered off-street parking for three cars. Contemporary home reinterprets late 1880s villa on this site. Two storeys, three bedrooms, ensute and bathroom, lounge, balcony upstairs to appreciate views.

Defining the shape of this contemporary Freemans Bay home is the bay of the villa that has stood on this site for more than a century.

The villa was built in 1875, with various alterations made over the years, and remained in the same family until John Eaglen and his former wife Jackie bought it in 1998. Ironically, while John says he didn't like the kit-set bay addition to the original villa, its shape has proved an asset in the new design. "The strange thing was the bay worked well to generate the form for what is essentially a new building," he says.

John worked with Lyn Maingay on the design and build, using the bones of the villa to define the space for the two-storey project. The villa's kauri floors and a few ground walls remain, with the addition of structural steel to represent Freemans Bay's character and the area's boatbuilding heritage.

"We haven't built a replica villa; it's a contemporary house that some people who love villas will love," says John. "An Auckland City heritage architect told me at the time this was the best re-interpretation of a villa he had seen."

Being on a corner section has allowed two road frontages without sacrificing back and front gardens. "Both get the sun at different times of the day. We could take advantage of this site when we designed the house - we have taken the living space from the depth of the house from the front to the back as a single double-height volume. This allows the light to go through the house at all times of the day.

"And because the windows are high, the sun penetrates very deep."

As you come in the main entrance, you appreciate the versatility of the open-plan design as it is a large space offering multiple living areas, all defined but interconnecting, with the kitchen sitting just outside the villa's original perimeter. "The kitchen is effectively in what was the side yard," says John.

The kitchen's stainless steel appliances and drawers are offset by the warmth and softness of the jarrah cabinetry, granite bench-top and blue limewash finish on the walls. John and his partner Linley Rose enjoy entertaining and the kitchen and living areas can easily accommodate up to 60 guests after an evening at the opera or theatre.

All three bedrooms are on the upper level, accessed by the suspended steel stairs. Because the stairs are open to the main living space, John had a screen made from conveyor-belt metal to make the space more restful. "It has given a visual line to the whole space - we said it was like the skewer in a shish kebab."

Upstairs, the master bedroom has walk-in wardrobe and en suite, plus a lounge area with balcony looking over what John describes as "one of the best views on the ridge" as he points out the harbour and bridge, Victoria Park, Rangitoto and the Sky Tower.

"We do like houses that unfold as you move around" says John. And, certainly, the exterior of this home is one which invites you inside to see more ... the harmonious use of metal, stone, wood and glass, the soft limewash shades chosen for feature walls and John's separate office space in the century-old garden shed.

It's a beautiful home but surely, with so much input into the design, it must be a wrench to sell?

But John says it feels right because he and Linley are spending more time at their Coromandel property and travelling overseas. Their plan is to buy a smaller base in Auckland for when they visit family here and want to enjoy the city's theatre, music, cafes and bars.

In the Coromandel they pot (Linley) and paint (John), an activity John says has heightened his appreciation of the light in this home. "I do love the rhythm of light in this home. And I like the fact that something so much fun has evolved from something so disciplined in its geometry."

But he and Linley will miss the vibe of Freemans Bay. "In the 14 years I have been here," says John, "the house hasn't changed much, the garden has grown a little, but Ponsonby Rd has changed so much. It feels like it's a very mature city life out there now."