Northcote: Young at heart

A grand old home has had a subtle update to suit modern living, writes Catherine Smith.

18 Raleigh Road, Northcote.

Open the grand green gates, drive under the trees through a sweeping curve of driveway and get a glimpse of North Shore history. And not, as you might expect, in Devonport, but tucked away in Northcote. The villa on Raleigh Road was built in the 1840s, when the district was remote countryside and the property extended for acres behind the house. Some time in 1876 it was purchased by the Auckland Hospital Board, probably for a senior staff member, given its grand proportions, and then leased to a Captain Slattery. Current owners Helen and Dale Pennington took on the dated building seven years ago and have restored it to its former glory, with a dash of 21st century style.

Sensitive to its listed building status, the couple were careful to retain the beautiful features of the house, scrupulously having architraves, skirtings and corbels milled to match the existing ones. Much of their re-modelling is hidden. Gas heating, insulation (including in the walls) and careful refurbishment make the old house toasty in the winter.

From the lovely verandah the gracious front hall opens into a winter sitting room. With its rich colours, fireplace, warm modern carpet and sunroom-proportioned window, this room invites curling up. A spacious former dining room is used as the fifth bedroom, but the couple have simply covered up, not removed, the original fireplace in case future owners want to restore it. A further three double bedrooms, all with lively decorating and high quality window treatments accommodate the four children aged from 4 to 12. A family bathroom and the master bedroom, with lush English country-style window blinds, complete the accommodation wing.

The modern living starts at the end of the hallway, where previously unused space was converted to a smart second bathroom and laundry area with stone tiles and stainless steel.

The hall steps through to a sun-filled kitchen and family room with soaring cathedral ceilings. The ground concrete bench and bar which separates the industrial modern De Longhi gas cooker from the family room was hand built by Dale, poured on site and took three barrow loads of concrete. The kitchen was brought up to date with rich muddy colours, frosted glass and Fisher and Paykel Dishdrawers, but retains the old world feel of the country kitchen. The family room features a leaded glass window, and draws sunlight in.

This is the real entertaining heart of the home, with folding French doors opening to a large entertaining deck, lawns and a paved court with its own gas fire pit. "This is the gathering place for many a long summer's evening," Helen says. A useful utility area, carport and garage completely shelter the back yard.

The grand old trees at the front of the property set a gracious scene, with traditional box hedging and weeping cherries framing the front of the house and turnaround. The front lawn is home to a picturebook children's play area, complete with barked playground, swing and dolls house.

The back yard required landscaping, so Helen and Dale planted 85 pittosporum in their first months in the house. The trees are now neatly trimmed as a hedged backdrop to tropical plants.

With the renovation complete, the Penningtons have had a taste for building and have now got their eye on constructing a modern home. Helen is keen to extend her interior decorating wings to something new after working on three previous old houses. The couple have loved the space and graciousness of Raleigh Street as their family has grown, and can see another lucky family settling in.

Vital Statistics

SIZE: Land 954 sq m, house 264sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: From $800,000 to $1 million. Auction September 1.

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 1-1.45pm.

CONTACT: Fran Weinstein, Barfoot & Thompson, ph 480 9029 bus, 021 432 432 mob.

FEATURES: 1840s listed house with formal living room, farmhouse kitchen and family room. Original ceilings, kauri floors, bay windows and verandah. Delightful lawned garden, with climbing trees and playhouse, entertainment decks and feature gas fire pit.