Titirangi: Old world charm

This old dame in Titirangi has been restored to her former glory. By VICKI HOLDER.

When Joan and Tony Lawrence discovered Ridge-wood in the heart of Titirangi 12 years ago, it had settled into a state of inertia. Slumbering like a sleeping beauty, this grand, former orchard estate waited patiently to be revived. "Everything was here," says Joan. "It just needed cleaning up."

Built around 1914, the old homestead shelters behind a kauri forest, sitting majestically on top of the world looking across a vast garden valley towards the city and harbour.

Although the house had been modernised with materials popular in the 1950s, it needed updating. The good bones of the garden were submerged beneath rampant ginger, bamboo and gorse.

There could be no more enticing challenge for Joan and Tony. Archaeologist Joan is passionate about delving into the past, while Tony, an orthodontist, professes a love of finer construction detail. Plus he has energy to burn. Rediscovering the property's history, as well as the host of terraces and paths strewn through the wilderness of towering kauri and remnants of the orchard, was an experience the pair relished.

Inspired by travels and books, they steadily worked their way through the property, making sense of all its spaces and turning them into pristine magnificence.

Featured in the Friars Garden Guide, the grounds are now steeped in the classical influences of Italian and French gardens the couple have visited. Bursting with vibrance, the grounds are balanced with the softness of lush Rousseau-like perennial borders and Titirangi's native bush. The Lawrences built steps with railway sleepers and Tony constructed Mt Eden rock walls to enhance the formal structure that already existed.

On the steep slope in front of the house they planted olive trees among the remaining persimmon, plums and pears. In spring it is a riotous blaze of red, orange, yellow and blue when the peacock irises, corn lilies, spaxias and ixias flower.

Beyond a Portuguese laurel hedge, the slope eases down to the formal area where rows of box hedging converge on a large pond at the bottom bordered by hostas, primulas and taro. Many a magical dinner party has been spent beneath the pergola, where guests bathe in the sublime atmosphere.

To safeguard the land for future generations, the Lawrences covenanted a hectare of their native kauri, putting it into the care of a trust.

Although the house appears to have changed little over the years, that is more due to the care the Lawrences have taken in making sympathetic alterations. Equipped with all modern comforts, it has an endearing old world charm. Pains have been taken to preserve its quirky character in features like the tongue-and-groove up the stairs, in the two bathrooms and the wardrobes.

The stud heights of battoned ceilings rise and fall from room to room, which is testimony to the many alterations. The native matai downstairs and imported redwood on the upper floor are a reminder of an upstairs addition done when New Zealand stopped exporting and began importing timber.

The Lawrences have added a double garage and replaced many windows with small panes, which are more in keeping with the home's original design. French doors now ease the flow outdoors.

The modest kitchen in the corner of the family dining area is not a fancy kitchen, admits Joan, but it's in keeping with the house.

Off the stairwell, the long room is mostly used for watching TV. Its elegant proportions make it useful as a formal dining room, where guests can get away from the kitchen.

But it's the generous living room in front that makes the most lasting impression. French doors open in all directions to little 1920s porches, which make practical outdoor living extensions. Doors curve out towards a semi-circular stone terrace that treats you to the full splendour of the garden and a view that takes your breath away.

Upstairs, three double bedrooms rest beneath high, coved ceilings. Brimming with traditional character, the bathroom features a clawfoot bath, black and white marble floors and a view of the trees through a skylight.

Not your usual Titirangi property, this tranquil garden estate, is a big slice of countryside that's a short walk from the village and 20 minutes from the city.

Vital statistics:

ADDRESS: Ridgewood, 34 Park Rd, Titirangi.

FEATURES: Gracious garden estate with spectacular city and harbour views; restored home with family dining; formal dining; office; two big living areas with open fires; living areas open to porches; three bedrooms; two bathrooms; internal-access, extra-large double garaging.

SIZE: Land area 2ha.

AUCTION: 2pm, September 18, at Bayleys Maritime Square auction rooms.

AGENT: Maggie Milnes and Jeannette Young-Smith, Bayleys, Titirangi. Ph 817 0112 bus; Maggie 027 491 2642 mob; Jeannette 021 826 640 mob.