Epsom: Living in the past

A kauri villa dating back to the 1870s has been largely untouched over the years.

4 Halifax Avenue, Epsom.

The property contains the main house, above, a former showhome used for storage, and a former Parnell schoolhouse, seen to the right, and below right. The estate's former carriage house is at the rear of the property and is now a two-bedroom flat. This is a house that needs antique furnishings to fit its antique form, and its most recent owners haven't let it down.

The 1876 house is filled to the brim with an eclectic mix of pieces from China and Europe, and a vast range of military memorabilia dating back to the Napoleonic wars. Walking into some of its many rooms is like stepping back in time.

John Grey was attracted to the house's size and age when he saw it five years ago - he knew his collections would sit well within it.
The house was built for one of Auckland's early merchant families, the Nathans, and was probably surrounded by about 4ha of grounds. The carriage house is still in the back yard, now converted to a two-bedroom flat. The servants quarters at the rear of the house are also now earning their keep as a one-bedroom unit.
Four years ago John added to the historic outbuildings by moving onto the site a former Parnell schoolhouse that was at risk of demolition. He uses the two-storey building for storage, but it could be made habitable.

The main house also needs work, particularly in the two kitchens and three bathrooms, but, made entirely of kauri, it is still solid and remarkably level considering its age. The three sitting rooms downstairs are still grand with their high, decorated ceilings, ornate fireplaces and large sash windows. The main sitting room, entered through a carved archway by the front door, takes your breath away. An enormous 24-carat gold and crystal chandelier, about 5m wide, dominates the space. It is a Chinese replica of an Italian design, and for $20,000 the new owner could keep it in the house.

The chandelier draws your eye to the ceiling fresco. "It's of Dionysus, the god of wine," says John. "We just liked painted ceilings, and asked my daughter's art teacher if she would do one for us."
The room is further set off by antique zebra and leopard skins on the carpet.
There is another lounge next door, currently used as a guest bedroom, and across the hallway is the family room. One of the kitchens is off here, and an enclosed verandah is used as an office. John's study, lined with uniforms, swords, guns and a stag's head, is off the family room.

Upstairs are three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and the main kitchen and dining area. The master bedroom has its own balcony that looks north over roofs and treetops. Another enclosed verandah is used as a sewing room.
In all there are six fireplaces in the house, two gas and four open. John says these, and the sun captured by the north-facing aspect, keep the house warm.
"For us it's time to move on, but this would make a great family home for people who wanted space," says John. "We've had enough room to have chickens and a rabbit in the yard _ the kids have loved it."
Agent Liz de Vere estimates this is one of the few first homes of Auckland still in near-original condition.
"Much of it hasn't been messed about with _ it still has the big separate rooms that were the style of the day. It offers enormous potential for someone to come and restore it in keeping with its heritage."

VITAL STATISTICS

BEDROOMS: 4+

BATHROOMS: 3

GARAGE: 0

SIZE: Land 1409sq m, main house 365sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: Interest expected above $2 million. Sale by negotiation.

INSPECT: By appointment.

ON THE WEB: www.premium.co.nz/PAR5354

CONTACT: Cheryl Whiting or Liz de Vere, Premium, ph Cheryl 0274 976 221, 308 9969 a/h, Liz 021 630 223, 625 6151 a/h.

FEATURES: Merchant house built in 1876 in near-original condition. Three living areas, two kitchens, study, six working fireplaces. Former carriage house now a two-bedroom flat, former servants' quarters now a one-bedroom flat. Former Parnell schoolhouse on site awaiting renovation. Another large building used for storage. Chandelier in front room for sale separately, for $20,000.