Mid-century gem keeps its cool in Herne Bay

38 Marine Pde, Herne Bay, Auckland. Photo / Ted Baghurst

38 MARINE PDE HERNE BAY

4

3

2

SIZE: Land 711sq m, house 250sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: Similar properties sold above $2.5 million. Tender closes March 6.

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 1pm-1.45pm.

ON THE WEB: barfoot.co.nz/469862

SCHOOL ZONES: Bayfield School, Ponsonby Intermediate, Western Springs College.

CONTACT: Sally Pye, Barfoot & Thompson Parnell, ph 366 0015 or 027 522 9225.

FEATURES: Palm Springs-style 1950s house with views across Waitemata Harbour. Three living areas, landscaped garden and pool in prime Herne Bay St.

It's rare to hear of a man bidding at auction on his friends' behalf for a house they haven't seen, but that's how Felicity Crowe and Chris Browne came to own this Palm Springs-style gem 16 years ago. The couple had authorised their dear friend, the late Alec Isbey, to bid on another property, but it didn't pan out. However, Alec spotted the auction for 38 Marine Pde and knew this house would be perfect.

Luckily, Alec's punt paid off. "He thought we'd love it here and called us to let us know it was ours and that we'd better come down and see it," recalls Felicity. "We loved the architecture and thought it was so well designed and built."

Antony Bartlett, co-architect with Tibor Donner of the Savage Memorial at Bastion Point, designed this house in 1958 for clients Dr and Mrs D.J. Gallagher. The Gallaghers lived here for many years and, by coincidence, their daughter Sally is now a friend of Felicity's and has shared memories of her childhood home. "The Gallaghers had two girls and a boy, the same as us," says Felicity, referring to daughters Tallulah, 22, and Fianach, 20, and son, Connor, 16.

A hedge hides the house, with the entrance path discreetly tucked next to triple garaging. The garage is a relatively recent addition, designed to suit the style of the house. What's so surprising is that although little of the house can be seen from the road, once inside, its elevated position affords a wonderful view of the harbour.

The house wraps around a patio and looks out to the view. The front door opens on to a parquet-floored formal living area. To the left is the kitchen and dining wing, in which are original kauri doors containing storage for a computer, a big-screen TV and a wine cellar. "Sally says, in her day, she remembers Christmas decorations in here, but now it's filled with wine," Felicity jokes. Outside is a crazy-paved patio, with a void in the canopy above, through which sprouts a queen palm.

The main bedroom, with a bank of built-in drawers, has a view of the pool and harbour, while three smaller bedrooms and two bathrooms are stacked along the hall. At the end of the hall is a third living area, with French doors opening to a second patio.

Felicity and Chris have been careful to do nothing to detract from Bartlett's design. Their furniture and art complement the house perfectly and they have sought the help of design professionals to enhance this mid-century gem. In 1998, architect Ken Crosson designed the garage, plus a new European beech kitchen in the footprint of the original. Architect Jennifer Cook's input added the second bathroom and converted the old garage into the third living space. Designer Peter Dunnachie specified cool 1950s hues for its built-in cabinetry.

Outside, landscape expert Robin Shafer designed the era-appropriate landscaping, complete with beds of mother-in-law's tongue and a kidney-shaped pool.

Felicity and Chris have had a wonderful home here, but they're embarking on a new project - converting a warehouse into apartments for themselves and their children.