An Architectural landmark in Lansdowne
An architectural landmark set amid trees more than 100 years ago is for sale in one of the most tightly-held and loveliest streets in the Masterton suburb of Lansdowne.
The stately property, at 43 Jordan Tce, combines the neo-Georgian magnificence of a William Gray Young-designed home with the leafy splendour of the totara, kauri, matai, rimu, pohutukawa, maples, oaks, magnolias and English elms that grace the 1.1429-hectare park-like setting.
“We have lived here for just over two years, and absolutely love the privacy, serenity, and the stunning views,” the vendors say.
“We purchased Edgecliff as our forever home. However, work commitments elsewhere dictate the sale of this property.”
They “totally fell in love” with the classical design of the 320-square metre house and the private, fully landscaped grounds, complete with roses, Portuguese laurels, buxus and four-car garaging.
“The floor plan is amazing as it provides options for open-plan living, formal entertaining spaces, and access to a magnificent glass-covered pergola,” they say. “It’s perfect for entertaining 365 days of the year.”
Built in 1939 for a local doctor, the four-bedroom, three-bathroom house faces due north for all-day sun and commanding views of the Tararua range.
“In particular, the formal sitting room has panoramic views of the hills, as does one of the large upstairs bedrooms,” the vendors say.
Among their many favourite features are the elegant sitting room’s floor-toceiling sash windows, which open up fully like French doors, Gray Young’s unique fitting of chains rather than rope cords to every sash window, and the large country-style kitchen.
“It’s perfectly laid out for the chef in the family, offering Italian granite benches, double eye-level ovens, an induction cooktop and ample storage.
“Many dinner parties have been catered for in this kitchen.”
Other features include a single-storey maids’ quarters wing built on an angle off the main house that is now used as a library and home office, walnut-panelled interior doors, a gorgeous sunroom with multiple French doors to the garden and pergola, and a main bedroom suite with a private balcony overlooking the garden.
As well as a closed wood fire in the sitting room, there are three remote-controlled heat pumps, a gas fire in the informal living room, and a ducted HRV system on both levels.
The owners also have enjoyed swimming year-round in the salt-water heated swimming pool and living so close to Lansdowne village.
“It’s like living in the country with the convenience of a central city location,” they say.
Jaime Slater, of Tremains Wairarapa, says the property is ideally suited for a family, retirees, Wellingtonians who want to live close to Masterton’s top private schools, and former farmers moving to town who wish to maintain a semirural lifestyle.
“The entire house has been maintained impeccably in its original design. Beautifully detailed, and with its quality and character intact, this is a very rare offering.”