SCHOOL ZONES:
Remuera School, Remuera Intermediate, double Grammar.
CONTACT:
Andrew McAlpine and Leila MacDonald, Barfoot & Thompson, 021 968 809 (Andrew) or 021 928 926 (Leila).
TENDER:
closes 4pm, March 26.
ALSO FOR SALE:
The family’s neighbouring property at 2 Portland Rd.
Siblings Tim and Margaret Woodhouse were a little concerned when their elderly parents announced in 1993 that they were buying a home up the road from the Remuera house they'd lived in for three decades.
Sir Owen Woodhouse and his wife, Peggy, were supposed to be downsizing from their large family home in Portland Rd, but the dwelling they bought was no cosy townhouse. It didn't have labour-intensive gardens like their other house, but it was more than 500sq m and spread over three levels.
"We did wonder if it was right for them," says Margaret.
"But then we came in and saw the house -- or, more specifically the view -- and we could see why they wanted to live here."
"It's all about the view really," says Tim. "They loved it so much that dad bought the house next door (2 Portland Rd, also for sale) to protect the view."
The top floor of the classic 1960s home, designed by renowned architect Lewis Walker, has a stunning north-facing panoramic outlook that sweeps from the Sky Tower past Rangitoto Island to Coromandel Peninsula. It can be enjoyed from numerous upper-level rooms including from an enclosed porch with a wall of windows that frame the view, and a bedroom Sir Owen used as an office.
Here he spent many hours at his desk writing his memoirs. Sir Owen had a long, distinguished career as a judge in the Supreme and Appeal Courts, but he is also responsible for our accident compensation scheme. His recommendations, published in the Woodhouse Report, led to the formation of the Accident Compensation Commission (later Corporation) in 1974.
Sir Owen's memoirs, published privately for his family, included recollections of his navy service in World War II. He received the Distinguished Service Cross in 1944.
He had an enormous library, and also an extensive collection of art, and the Remuera Rd house was the perfect place to house both. Many of his books were stored in the living area and bedroom of the housekeeper's flat on the middle level. There are actually two self-contained flats on the middle floor, each with its own bathroom and a kitchen or kitchenette.
Image 1 of 8: Important modern NZ history echoes through this Lewis Walker-designed property
Also on this floor is the laundry, and a conservatory that has access out to the swimming pool. A sweeping staircase from this floor leads up to the top level, which is where the Woodhouses spent most of their time.
There are three bedrooms, including the master, which has an en suite, and the family bathroom. The enclosed porch wraps around the spacious living room, and the adjoining dining area is slightly raised to make the most of the view.
Next door, the kitchen has many original features, including a classic circular Dishmaster dishwasher set into the stainless steel bench.
There are many 1960s features, such as the panelled window by the staircase, bevelled glass doors and built-in cupboards in the dining room.
Peggy Woodhouse died in 2000 and Sir Owen continued to live in the house until his death last year, aged 97. The lift, which goes all the way down to the large garage, studio and workshop on the lower level, made it easier for him to stay on in the multilevel house.
That lift fascinated the Woodhouse kids long before their parents bought the house.
Tim recalls how, shortly after the family moved to Portland Rd in the early 1960s, they saw the house on the corner of Remuera Rd being built.
"It was very exciting that it had a lift and we were always curious about it. We never expected that they would end up living there."
The lift is one of the factors that makes the house feel a little like an apartment. "The top floor in particular feels like you are in an apartment because of the view, the space and the light."
"It has got all the advantages of an apartment, like being able to lock up and leave, but the space of a house -- and you don't have your neighbours on top of you," says Margaret.
"It would be quite nice if it was bought by somebody who appreciates the history of the house and the character it has, and wanted to preserve that."
