Seriously big

We're talking grand family living on a vast scale, writes VICKI HOLDER.

Having played host to just three families in 70 years, this grand Arts & Crafts-style home in Epsom remains remarkably true to when it was built in 1927.

The beautifully drawn, original plans prepared by the designer, Sholto-Smith, came with the house when the owners, Elizabeth and Grant Hay, bought it three years ago. The plans show the layout virtually the same as is it today, although some of the lesser-used space has been reclaimed to create extra bedrooms.

Rosenholm stands high on the Epsom ridge overlooking Mt Eden, Auckland city and Rangitoto Island. A well-known creator of Auckland homes for the wealthy, Sholto-Smith ensured that the property would always look distinctive. The creosoted weatherboards, Tudor-style dark banding on the upper levels and steep, orange, Marseilles-tiled roof are an imposing sight across a sweep of lawn.

The Hays were attracted to the home's good looks and sturdy, quality construction, while its generous proportions and big, sunny living areas suited their large family. It has six bedrooms, and the flexible living spaces have been adapted to suit the Hays' requirements for relaxed family living.

They are informal people and didn't need the formal dining room at the end of the hall on the ground floor. So they changed it into an elegant children's TV room featuring a beautiful crystal chandelier and gold and burgundy curtain treatments. Opening through french doors to the pool area at the rear of the house, it's a wonderful place to kick back and soak up the afternoon sun.

The timber-floored kitchen also opens to this sheltered area and is conveniently near to the outdoor barbecue at the edge of the pool.

Elizabeth says the older children often decamp to the courtyard at the far end of the pool, while the adults occupy the seating closer to the house. The children adore soaking in the spa pool, swimming in the solar-heated pool and they never tire of the diving board.

Although the owners have changed little structurally in the house, bold new colour adds personality to every room. The entrance is deep burgundy to match the pattern on the original white tessellated floor tiles.

A cavity door turns the two big lounges into one vast room for entertaining on a grand scale. Glowing in the sun that pours through french doors and big picture windows, the walls are a chartreuse colour, which the Hays have teamed with burgundy sheers and sumptuous shot taffeta drapes. A spectacular Danish oak mantle over the original fireplace matches the oak cabinets beneath leadlight windows. Inscribed with the words "Rest Ye in Friendship", the fireplace has seldom been used, because the Hays have installed under-floor gas heating that keeps the whole house warm.

An area between the four bedrooms on the middle level has been strengthened in the past to support a billiard table. The Hays use it as a large office and a rumpus area for the children.

What was once a porch off the study is now a small bedroom. Sloping tongue-and-groove ceilings and walls give it an unusual shape, and it's a perfect hideaway for the Hays' five-year-old son.

Their little girl's big double bedroom, featuring gorgeous coral and gold fabrics, is fit for a fairy. Gold and burgundy walls and luscious curtain treatments across a window seat bring romance to the master suite where the views are spectacular. The bedroom has a fully tiled bathroom with original matai floors.

A big family bathroom saves the rest of the family from queuing on the middle level.

Two further big bedrooms are hidden away under the eaves on the third floor with a small bathroom in between. Skylights in the roof and windows at both ends ensure they are light and sunny.

There is secure six-car garaging and a large parking forecourt for guests at the back of the house.

A rare property that's hard to leave, Rosenholm is the ultimate big family home.

Vital statistics:

ADDRESS: 16 Landscape Rd, Epsom.

FEATURES: Grand English-style home built in 1927 with city and harbour views; elegant formal and informal living areas; six bedrooms; three bathrooms; spa pool, swimming pool with diving board; six-car garaging; gas under-floor heating; security alarm.

SIZE: Land area 1639sq m, floor area 350sq m.

AUCTION: 2pm, August 21, Bayleys Maritime Square auction rooms.

AGENT: David Rainbow and Joneen Smith, Bayleys BRE Remuera. Ph 520 8888 bus; David 025 923 364 mob; Joneen 021 464 557 mob.