Remuera: A fine folly

A grand art deco home built high on the Remuera ridge shocked some in its day, but has stood the test of time.

Craigmore, 47 Victoria Avenue, Remuera.

As a fine example of art deco architecture, it's no wonder this grand home has been the subject of many a magazine article over the years.

Once the residence of former Auckland mayor Sir Dove-Myer Robinson, Craigmore was built in 1930 by renowned New Zealand architect Horace Massey. It was bravely modern for that conservative time, and attracted the nickname "Massey's Folly".

Its original features are still stunning. From the huge, curved windows, chandeliers and grand proportions of the rooms to the decorative ceilings and wall panelling, you can imagine the swanky parties that must have been held here. There are even some of the old light switches with little fleur-de-lys motifs on them to match those lined up on the porch above the front entrance. In the hallway at the top of the stairs is a fantastic full-length window with a metal framework attached to it, which really makes a statement.

"It's such a shame we never had a wedding from here so that we could all walk down the stairs looking lovely," says owner Sannie Wong.

For the past 17 years this has been home to Sannie, the honorary consul for the Philippines, and her husband, Jimmy. Their three sons, Mark, Harvie and Hoover, grew up here. And for all the property's magnificence, to the Wongs it's just their family home full of memories.

"The boys are all grown up now and living overseas," says Sannie, "and this place has been such a wonderful home to us. The boys say that they took it for granted at the time, and didn't appreciate it. Now they see it for what it really is."

Sannie is a keen artist and her paintings grace the walls. "I used one of the bedrooms as my painting room, where I could enjoy my painting without any interruptions."

Sannie and Jimmy fell in love with the place as soon as they saw it, and they had to have it. It was pretty run-down and needed major attention, which the couple has lavished on it big time.

"It's got such a warm feel to it and very good feng shui," says Sannie. "Being at the top of the ridge, all the air and energy is channelled up from the sea, and it's very sunny. It's a lucky house."

Along with the ongoing maintenance, Sannie and Jimmy have upgraded the swimming pool and added a rumpus room above the garage, which was sympathetically done to reflect the home's original character.

The revamp included exposing the matai floorboards that were hidden under the carpet and retaining the original flocked cream silk that lines the walls.

The commercial-style kitchen, however - with Gaggenau appliances and excellent work spaces - hasn't been touched.

"We put a parquet floor down, but the rest is pretty much as we found it," says Sannie. "I'm sure the new owner would want to upgrade it. It'll give them something to do, as the rest of the house has been done for them."

The 270-degree views across the trees and rooftops are incredible, taking in the Auckland War Memorial Museum, the city and harbour, Rangitoto and Waiheke islands and the Coromandel on a clear day.

"We get the best views of the fireworks across the city from up here," says Sannie.

Downstairs, the self-contained flat, complete with sauna, is currently used as a gym and for storage.

"With the children living abroad, the old family home is just too big now," says Sannie. The couple are building themselves a new home in Orakei.

"It's a lot of work for just the two of us; if it was smaller we'd keep it. It will be sad when we finally go as it's full of 17 years of our memories."

Vital Statistics

BEDROOMS: 5+

BATHROOMS: 2+

GARAGE: 8

SIZE: Land 1265sq m, house 368sq m (approx).

PRICE INDICATION: Interest expected in high $3 millions and above. Expressions of interest close November 22.

INSPECT: By appointment.

CONTACT: Gary and Vicky Wallace, Bayleys, ph 309 6020 bus, 0274 988 585 mob.

FEATURES: Magnificent Horace Massey-designed art deco home with many original features. Two studies, a grand living area, swimming pool, sauna, central heating, and a self-contained flat. 270-degree views.