Quiet retreat from Hollywood glitz

20 Entrican Ave, Remuera, Auckland. Photo / Getty Images

20 ENTRICAN AVE, REMUERA

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SIZE: Land 827sq m (more or less); house 312sq m (approx).

PRICE INDICATION: CV $1.79 million. Expressions of interest close March 27.

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 1pm-1.30pm.

ON THE WEB: raywhite.co.nz/RMU21729

CONTACT: Steve Willia, ph 027 295 6153.

After more than three decades living in Los Angeles, broadcaster Edwina Rumford-Myers returned to Auckland and went looking for a place to call home.

What she found in one of Remuera's leafy, quiet streets was a house that reminded her of the Californian properties she'd come to love. It was light, airy and had lots of open spaces and outdoor living - decks, patios and balconies.

Edwina was one of New Zealand's first TV announcers before moving to Hollywood in the 1960s to work for the film industry, eventually ending up at 20th Century Fox. An article by Max Cryer in a 1960s issue of The New Zealand Herald titled "Local announcer making her mark in Hollywood" recounted her success in both countries.

Edwina died last year and her family has decided to sell her property, which was the scene of many get-togethers and celebrations, including her 75th birthday party. "Edwina loved this house," says one her cousins, Karen Watson, who recently stayed at 20 Entrican Ave with her own family. "It's a great place for entertaining. There are lots of open-plan living spaces. Different groups can all be having different conversations at the same time."

The original 1940s single-level bungalow was extensively renovated and extended in the 1990s. The design, by noted architects Sang and Carnachan, transformed the once simple house into a striking split-level residence that peers out over treetops, beautiful homes and the green dips and dales of Remuera's northern slopes. It sits proudly on its 827sq m gently sloping site, yet comfortably alongside its period weatherboard neighbours.

Downstairs is a separate self-contained wing with two bedrooms, lounge, dining room and kitchen, as well as its own single garage - perfect for teenagers or guests. There's also another double garage on the property, plus off-street spaces for at least two more vehicles.

Upstairs, the main kitchen, which looks out to the quiet, tree-lined, no-exit street, also has a light, bright informal dining area.

Through the doors there are several separate, yet connected, spaces for living and dining. These flow together seamlessly thanks, in part, to the polished wooden floors throughout.

Image 1 of 8: 20 Entrican Ave, Remuera, Auckland. Photo / Getty Images

On this level there are also three double bedrooms, including the master that has an en suite and its own balcony. Another bathroom and tucked-away laundry cupboard complete the upper floor.

Almost every room or space in this home spills out to decking, paving, balcony or lawn - and it was this California-style indoor-outdoor living that Edwina especially loved.
Now it is time for someone else to enjoy it.