Herne Bay: Home from the mill

Randall says the section, big for Herne Bay, has been great for his children. Photo / Geoff Dale

The craftsmanship in an historic Herne Bay villa has stood the test of time.

306 Jervois Road, Herne Bay. With a timber mill at your disposal it's a pretty safe bet that the house you build will be of the finest materials.

That's the case with 306 Jervois Rd, a stately turn-of the-century villa solidly constructed of heart kauri. It's known as one of three Cashmore houses in the Herne Bay area. The Cashmores operated a timber mill in Coxs Creek in the late 19th century, and this house is believed to have been built for one of the daughters of the family. The current owners, Randall and Judy Wulff, believe the house stayed in Cashmore hands until the 1980s.

The craftsmanship and materials have endured - in the latest round of painting and touch-ups, just one board was replaced because of rot. A pretty solid record.

Since this elegant dame was built there has been some extensive updating, but always in keeping with her aristocratic heritage.

Randall describes the house as a grand villa, with its 3.6m stud and elegant bay windows. The exact age of the house is not clear, but it was probably built in 1903.

Once you step through the leadlight doorway into the traditional villa hallway the calm and silence of the house become apparent. Randall and Judy say one of the attractions of the house is its privacy and peace.

The hallway leads to the far end of the house and the main living areas. The open-plan kitchen and family room have been extended in a past renovation, and make up a large and light-filled expanse of honeyed kauri floors and neutral hues. The south side has views of Western Springs and the Waitakeres beyond.

A sheltered courtyard on the northern side collects all-day sun, and is connected to the family room through French doors. Bifold windows over the kitchen bench add to the indoor-outdoor feel.

In the last two years the house has been repainted inside and out in a modern palette of colours, and the bathrooms and kitchen have been updated. Judy chose Carrera marble for the bathroom vanities, and pale Quarella benchtops for the kitchen. The couple also enlarged the traditional villa verandah at the front of the house so there is room to sit in the afternoon sun and watch the children play.

Tucked into the back yard is a guest cottage with its own en suite. This cottage was once the original laundry.

The house also has a separate lounge with a wood fire, and a formal dining room. There are three bedrooms on this level, and downstairs there is a guest bedroom and laundry with vast storage, and internal garaging for cars.

The house is set in expansive gardens, and Judy says the landscaping has been designed so that in every season there is something flowering. Right now it's hibiscus and roses, and she says that the pohutukawa in the back yard is spectacular at Christmas.

The house is at the quiet cul-de-sac end of Jervois Road, yet still a short walk from the cafes of the main road.

The transformations at this home may not yet be finished: Randall and Judy have plans and consents for a swimming pool and three-car garage to be developed on the rear of the section, leaving the existing garage free to be turned into a home cinema.

They admit to being torn about leaving a very special house, but have decided it's time for a new project, and are ready to move on.

Vital Statistics

SIZE: Land area 1391sq m, house area 340sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: Interest expected above $3 million. Tender closes april 29.

INSPECT: By appointment. CONTACT: Wayne Bulog, Unlimited Potential, ph 0274 723 557.

FEATURES: Villa over two levels, central heating, guest cottage, completely renovated, established landscaped gardens.