Small but perfectly formed - Remuera

An owner called in professional help when her house demanded a more fitting redecoration.

19a Rangitoto Ave, Remuera.

When Tracey Strange moved into her Remuera duplex in 2001, she was on the rebound from a modern Titirangi house she had set her heart on but had been talked out of by a valuer.

So she ignored the bay tree outside the bedroom window, the garden of box hedging, roses and camellias, the winding brick paths and picket fence, and decided to go minimalist.

She painted the interior white, added white roman blinds, splashes of bright red and a black leather couch. The house rebelled.

``This is a cottage,'' Tracey says. ``It felt like a cottage. It just needed to be more feminine.''

Tracey called in an interior designer and began again. The walls were painted in softer shades of pale grey (with a touch of pistachio), delicate chandelier-style light fittings that played with the light were added, the kitchen was extended and replaced and the archway separating it from the living area was knocked down.

Open shelving in the kitchen created a sense of space and a new built-in bookcase in the small hallway added a large amount of storage, while fitting in with the rest of the renovations.

Opened up, and with a softer touch, the solid but somehow cute 1940s house revealed its true nature. It was a home. A cottage. A refuge from bustling, busy city life.

That's not to say it's old-fashioned or without tasteful touches of modernity. The kitchen, which flows smoothly into the living area, features stainless steel bench tops and appliances - including a five-burner gas stove.

But somehow, it all fits. The stainless steel complements the solid rimu floors and merges into the decor.

Out the back is a bricked courtyard area - great for summer barbecues - and a curved, sweeping lawn bordered by garden (including those roses and camellias), all of it extremely private.

``It's like an apartment, but with a garden,'' says Tracey.
Out the front, the sheltered porch - right next to that mature bay tree - is a great place to catch the evening sun while relaxing with a glass of wine.

Tracey always assumed her home was a former state house - it had that solid, reassuring feel to it. But recently a neighbour, who, Tracey says, knows everything about the area told her it was always privately owned.

Tracey likes the sense of security provided both by the house's construction and the fact it's a duplex. She has never felt like she and her neighbours live in each other's pockets, but it has been reassuring to know they are there.

And that goes for the rest of this quiet, calm street as well. Tracey says she knows all her neighbours by name.

``Once a year there's a street party at someone's house, so it's got that lovely community feel.''

Having made such a home out of a house she first tried to fight, and in an area she initially wasn't interested in, why is she moving? Having redecorated twice, Tracey was getting the urge to begin again. But this house is now just right as it is.

So she's planning to take on another redecorating project, but somewhere that needs it. And her cottage has converted her - she's forgotten Titirangi and has fallen for Remuera. Cottages can do that to you.

VITAL STATISTICS

BEDROOMS: 2

BATHROOMS: 1

GARAGES: 1

SIZE: Land share of 665sq m, house 80sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: In the region of $600,000. Auction August 12.

INSPECT: Open home Sat/Sun 2-2.45pm.

ON THE WEB: www.harcourts.co.nz # PS060705

CONTACT: Linda Galbraith, Harcourts, ph 369 5098, 021 966 028.

FEATURES: One half of a solid 1940s duplex. Beautifully decorated, with a private garden. Rimu floors, open fireplace in lounge.