"I wanted to create more open-planned, multi-functional spaces as well as different outdoor living areas that were lacking. It was highly important for me to maintain the street appeal of the existing house so that it was in keeping with our eminent neighbours," he says.
Constable Hurst Architects came up with the original solution of pushing out the casual living-dining room in a striking dark-stained wood semi-circle from the kitchen and more formal spaces into the garden and decks. The roof of this extension also forms a generous sweep of deck for the master bedroom above. They also created the exceptional front entrance (an "extended sinusoidal curve", explains Ivor) that echoes the geometry of the spiral staircase.
Ivor worked on every detail, inspired by the best he'd seen overseas. A beautifully constructed cedar trapezoidal feature wall for the second staircase that leads to the ground floor was inspired by the Shanghai World Finance Centre, painstakingly made by furniture-maker and artist, Peter Young. Ivor wanted a focal point for the living area "and [it] frames the outdoor terrace greenery rather nicely. It gives off a warm and inviting tone". The cedar is repeated on the huge cantilevered front door, garage and side gates, a light contrast to the dark Mount Eden stone used extensively in the garden terracing and front chimney.
While he was bringing the house into this century (or beyond - the house is controlled by seven iPads and an entire basement room of electronics so the couple can see the house and control it from wherever they are in the world) Ivor was adamant nothing that could be reused or recycled should be discarded. He carried the spiral light fitting that complemented the staircase back from China, but had many of the beds and cabinets made by local craftsmen.
The airy kitchen boasts clever German storage fittings on the inside, sleek and beautiful cabinets and benches on the outside, a thoughtful scullery tucked off to one side. The new dining bay's windows echo the originals, but with double-glazing. Upstairs, the master suite includes a bathtub next to fold-back windows so soakers can gaze into the tree tops. On the upper floors, windows in the two original bedrooms and family bathroom frame trees and views of gardens.
The old house was cut off from the garden, which itself was desperately wild and overgrown so Ivor sorted this out, too. On the main floor, decks with classically potted hedges open up from all the living rooms. On the ground floor is a bedroom suite and media/rumpus room with wet bar plus a luxurious sauna. Doors open these to the terraced garden and the pool.
Ivor's mum Sharon - who lives in the house while her son and partner travel - worked with him to tame and plant the gardens, leaving the mature trees for which Epsom is so rightly admired. The structural paths and retaining walls were built from stone that was excavated to accommodate the newly installed pool. Front and back gardens were designed by Arnaud Daurat, who created a contemporary, structured design that is a nod to the formal neighbourhood. The entire garden is filled with native plants and ground covers to make it as maintenance-free as possible. "Over time it will become a rambling private oasis, with strategically placed plantings, to ensure privacy year round," Ivor points out.
However, Ivor and his partner will not be there to see this happen, as work commitments mean they are now moving to Wellington, leaving this immaculate house ready for the next generation.
