Peter lived opposite the property and saw it change hands in 1994 when Oliver died, but it was not until 1997, when he bought it, that he learned more about Sir Miles' architecture. The house had been designed around a central great room, a classically proportioned double-height space that forms the circulation core for the whole house. Visitors look down into the room as they arrive, the better to take in its pleasing volumes, exposed concrete beams and soaring rimu tongue-and-groove ceiling. The main staircase leads down to that space, where views of the terraced garden can be seen through grand French doors.
Off the east and west of this room Sir Miles designed two independent living wings, one intended for himself.
That worked perfectly when Peter bought the house - the west wing for visitors, the other for him. When the family grew to include his wife, Amanda, and her then 8-year-old daughter, Briar, the design could be readily adapted to the changing demands.
The only change the Stanes made was to open up the northeast wing, originally divided in the style of the 1970s into a very small kitchen, snug/sitting room and sunroom.
Architect John Sutherland, with Sir Miles' approval, merged the spaces into one generous kitchen family space, letting the sunlight pour into the room from dawn till dusk. More French doors link the space with a series of garden rooms - another Sir Miles touch, as he helped the Nathans structure the garden using the principles of openings and enclosures, borrowed views, and symmetry that was to make Ohinetahi world-famous. For the Stanes, this space with its fireplace, generous granite counters and beautifully detailed joinery is the drawcard for what is jokingly known by friends and family as the Combes Road Events Centre: from fairy parties for 8-year-olds to birthdays and weddings with 80 to 100 people, this house has welcomed and "flexed" for many happy gatherings.
The two large-sized dining tables in the family room attest to the more regular family dinners, but the great room has hosted concerts around the grand piano - the room has magnificent acoustics. The lawn can accommodate a large marquee. The formal dining room, with another soaring ceiling and skylights, is now an office but could easily be used for formal dining or as a media room.
There is off-street parking for five cars in addition to the three-car garage. Closer to the living spaces are a pool and spa, and the bottom lawn has been measured for a tennis court. A wee gate at the bottom opens to Waiatarua Park.
The two bedrooms and bathrooms on either side of the great room are generous, with clever storage incorporated in every nook and cranny. The guest wing includes a rumpus space, complete with kitchenette and is completed by an enormous laundry/utility space of the size more normally seen in Upstairs Downstairs.
In the family wing the bathroom has been upgraded to sleek spa style, but each bedroom retains its original Juliet balconies and painted hessian storage units.
With Briar now an architecture student, the Stanes have decided it is time to downsize.
They admit it will be hard to find something with such pleasing design but the home is sure to find an appreciative new owner to enjoy its pedigree.
