Actor Ward-Lealand’s Kiwi haven
Jennifer Ward-Lealand is back on the big screen playing the lead in homegrown film Vermilion. Its opening next Thursday coincides with her birthday.
On the lead-up to the movie premiere, Ward-Lealand opened the door of her Auckland villa she shares with her husband, actor, director and writer Michael Hurst, their son Cameron and cat Vinnie. She describes it as having an unusually high number of windows and doors.
Ward-Lealand’s greatest achievement on the home front was renovating with two small children. ‘‘When I look back on it I wonder how I did it,’’ she said.
Describe your house in two sentences...
It’s the house of doors and windows. Seriously. There are 12 doors and 15 windows and that’s just downstairs.
Describe your style in three words...
I asked my sister-in-law how she saw our house and she said: elegant, quirky and comfortable.
Who lives there with you?
My husband, Michael Hurst, our son Cameron, and our two Burmese cats, Vinnie and Ruby.
Your favourite room/area in the house and why?
One end of the lounge. The afternoon sun just pours in there in winter and it’s a perfect place to read or have a meeting. We love being surrounded by books, too.
Finish this sentence with an anecdote. ‘‘Once someone came to my door and…’’
I couldn’t open it. It’s an old villa and moves a lot, depending on the season. The front door was well and truly stuck.
Your proudest DIY moment?
Wrangling two renovation jobs and two small children. When I look back I wonder how I did it.
If my partner would let me, I would get rid of...
Some of his many jackets, which clog up the closet.
Best money you have ever spent on the house?
Changing upstairs from two bedrooms to three. We didn’t want one child sleeping downstairs – too far away from the rest of the family.
Worst thing that’s ever gone wrong while entertaining?
A very dear friend not turning up to a special occasion – big outside dinner, catered, the whole nine yards. He forgot.
Favourite piece of furniture?
It’s a toss up between a beautiful French sideboard, a mahogany credenza and the Eames dining table chairs, which are super comfortable.
If I had $50k, what I would change about my house is...
Replace the front steps. They’re precipitous and no matter how often I have them painted they get blasted by the sun and look bad very quickly. I think an inferior timber was used.
Which home habit annoys you the most?
Dirty dishcloths left on the bench or chopping board. Ugh.
What’s one domestic/ housework/gardening trick you’ve learnt over the years?
Keep culling. Luckily I find it immensely satisfying to re-home stuff. I loved that stage when the children stopped having so much gear and out went the pushchairs, car seats, scooters, etc. I will admit to keeping some excellent toys though, just in case a grandchild comes along.