Period perfection
When it comes to grace, grandeur and elegance there is little, if anything, that can deliver those better than this classic Georgian-style home, especially when it comes extensively and professionally renovated and restored.
Little wonder it was recently featured in the NZ House & Garden magazine and was a particular favourite on the NZ House & Garden Cancer Society Tours.
Adding to the considerable appeal of this beautiful manor are the serene, leafy views across Cranmer Square.
From the wisteria-draped portico down to the last heritage-styled tile in the bathrooms, it is clear that perfection was just the starting point in the restoration of this home and it just kept going up from there.
There is little doubt that the benchmark on gracious living was raised significantly with the completion of this work.
Overhead are the glorious imported chandeliers while underfoot is the richly coloured kauri flooring on the ground floor and soft, charcoal-coloured carpet on the stairs and in the bedrooms.
As an address it is hard to beat, coming with zoning for Christchurch Boys’ and Christchurch Girls’ high schools, Heaton Intermediate and Elmwood Primary School.
It’s also a short walk to Christ’s College, Cathedral Grammar, St Margaret’s College, and Rangi Ruru Girls’ School.
The property also offers luxurious accommodation for the family, with five bedrooms, three bathrooms and three living areas.
Upstairs, you will find the luxurious master suite with its own walk-in wardrobe and ensuite, with four more bedrooms, a sunroom and the main bathroom with its contemporary fittings completing the upper levels.
As well as a family living area, two further formal living spaces are also situated on the ground floor and can be shut off for relaxation and privacy, giving everyone their own space.
Those wanting to combine exceptional living with the prospect of working from home will find this property an equally attractive proposition, with a convenient inner-city location and what would probably be the best decorated offices in town.
Time, money and talent has been poured into this home, resulting in a highly specified kitchen with Miele appliances, separate combined scullery and laundry and the retention of period features enhanced by modern comforts.
The adjacent dining area opens, through French doors, to the large courtyard and swimming pool.
While summer will see you enjoying all the pleasures of the inground swimming pool and outdoor entertaining areas, over winter you get to watch movies on the inbuilt projector and sound system while the gas fires in the original kauri fire surrounds, and efficient heating and insulation keep you warm.
However, it’s not just you who is going to want this home.
Your dog will also love you for giving it the choice of a quiet ramble around Cranmer Square or a rigorous work-out in the vast green expanse of Hagley Park, just
five minutes’ walk away.
As you are unlikely to be able to peel the cat off the window seat in the sunroom overlooking Cranmer Square, it can happily be left to watch your progress.
Positioned on a freehold title with 339 square metres of land with two carparks secured by an electric gate, there’s also the opportunity to buy the neighbouring 253 sqm section that is being sold separately.
Properties of this size and calibre, and in this prime city position, are all too rare and becoming rarer by the day.
As it is scheduled to go under the hammer on April 19, those who love period homes renovated to an unprecedented standard will want to register their interest early. The chances of its coming back onto the market in the near future are believed to be slim.