SCHOOL ZONES:
Freemans Bay School, Ponsonby Intermediate, Western Springs College.
CONTACT:
Karen Spires, 027 273 8220, or Richard Cadness, 027 451 3364, Bayleys.
AUCTION:
April 12 (unless sold prior).
Such is the plethora detail in this American-style bungalow the architect owner who helped introduce a sense of playfulness to it suspects it may have originally served as a show home.
Rosalie Stanley, of heritage-based Salmond Reed Architects, and her partner, Chris Hart, a retail manager, bought here in 2011.
They targeted this area, wanting to farewell Remuera for a family home in a location that'd simplify travelling to Rosalie's Devonport-based job and Chris' city-based job.
Only a couple of homes were for sale here back then and this one came with lashings of character.
Rosalie says: "This house was built in 1922 for James Ballantine, who we think had the sawmill down in Freemans Bay and was a bit of a developer.
"It has so much detailing, timber panelling and ornately beamed timber ceilings, which are different in every downstairs room, that we think it might have served as a show home.
Auckland Council put the two-storey home in a holding pattern for nearly 40 years, buying it in 1941 along with other homes in anticipation of motorway and housing projects. The council rented it out until selling it in 1981.
Rosalie says: "The great thing about that is there weren't any alterations carried out during that time."
A big front porch introduces a high-stud interior with its bountiful mix of timber, colour, wallpaper and leadlights. Interior designer Debbie Abercrombie provided guidance.
Rosalie says: "We wanted to make people appreciate the beautiful timber as opposed to wanting to paint it white.
"We introduced colours which complement the timber and a variety of wallpapers to add some playfulness. Because you can have fun with these places."
The entry hall has LED-lit jester-style wallpaper above its rich timber panelling. Matai floors and the variety of striking timber-beamed ceilings are a hallmark of this level.
A Persian-style wallpaper mural adds intrigue to the big dining room. There is an adjoining lounge with feature fireplace plus a family room.
Rosalie says: "It's certainly not a minimalist home. You can put lots of different things into it, including modern items and it all adds to it."
The solid timber kitchen flows out to a private backyard the couple had levelled and landscaped. It has adeck, pizza oven and subtropical planting.
The entry level also incorporates a study, laundry-larder, bathroom and central library housing Chris' music-related collections.
Upstairs is a bathroom, with claw-foot bath, and four bedrooms. These include one with mezzanine potential and the master with walk-in wardrobe and sun-drenched sunroom.
The couple are downsizing to a lock-up-and-leave apartment to complement their Kaipara bach. Rosalie cheerily predicts it'll be their last move before a retirement home.
