Stunning, modernised Kelburn treasure
AN ARCHITECTURALLY iconic Kelburn home that’s been rebuilt to maximise its heritage and contemporary appeal has a tender closing date of November 28 (unless sold prior).
The versatile property, at 27 Salamanca Rd, combines a threebedroom house and a twobedroom apartment on a 350-square metre ridgeline section with stunning views of the city, harbour and Botanic Garden.
‘‘It’s one of only six houses in the street that face the gardens but unlike most of the others, it actually has a view because it’s elevated,’’ the vendor says.
He bought the property because it showcased the modernist architecture of William Toomath (it graced the cover of a 1960 home and garden exhibition programme that the owner framed and is including as a chattel).
He has rebuilt the 221sqm dwelling to preserve its architectural significance and period charm while discreetly modernising it.
‘‘It’s been strengthened to code, predominantly double-glazed, insulated in the walls and ceilings, and has a completely new top level and double-garage,’’ he says.
Other improvements include new aluminium sun shields, the installation of an external mains pressure electric hot water cylinder, the laying of a bitumen-modified waterproof roof membrane, and new vertical weatherboards on the house (the apartment was built of reinforced cavity concrete).
The upper level has been landscaped with lawn, Portuguese laurels and a weeping cherry while the lower garden provides a sheltered al fresco area with lawn, mature espaliered pear trees and camellia hedging.
The house’s living and dining areas also have been opened up, to maximise the wraparound views from Newtown, the town belt and Eastbourne across the Hutt Valley and Khandallah to the Botanic Garden.
The stylish lounge opens to a west-facing patio, and has a gas fireplace to complement the central heating, while the Palazzo kitchen from Germany combines Miele appliances and a Bosch refrigerator-freezer with recycled rimu floorboards that also distinguish the dining area (there’s also new rimu joinery throughout).
On the same floor are a bedroom, with two doublewardrobes and city and harbour views, a marble bathroom with a shower, vanity, toilet and underfloor heating, and internal access from garage (which incorporates the laundry and extra storage).
Rimu stairs ascend to two more bedrooms with sensational views and another bathroom.
The main bedroom has a double-wardrobe, the third bedroom opens to a balcony and the bathroom is similarly specified to the first but with a bath and dual-basin vanity.
The renovated apartment combines a new kitchen and bathroom/laundry with magnificent views and its own entrance.
‘‘This stunning home has been thoughtfully redesigned to maintain its mid-century character while offering exceptionally specified modern living,’’ Jane Park, of Harcourts, says.
‘‘There’s the option of the apartment for home-and-income, extended family or guests, or running a consultancy from home, and the double-garage is a huge bonus in a street where parking’s at a premium.’’