In tune with the past
An extended 1890 settler’s cottage in the centre of Ponsonby is a haven for musical couple, writes Penny Lewis
Marc Taddei and Justine Cormack’s careers as professional classical musicians take them all over the world. The couple met in 1990 while members of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. Christchurch- born Justine played the violin and Marc, who hails from the United States and is a Julliard graduate, was principal trombonist. In more recent years, Marc has been a music director and conductor of several orchestras. Justine, who holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts and was concertmaster of the Auckland Philharmonia, has just announced she is leaving the acclaimed NZTrio, an ensemble with a cellist and pianist she helped form in 2004.
In 2001, Justine and Marc were living above Wellington’s Scorching Bay, but in Auckland they knew they wanted to “live right outside or right in the centre,” Justine says. “Our houses are really important to us as we see them as a haven. We spend a lot of time taking care of them.”
Justine and Marc ended up going for the “right in the centre” option in Auckland. They found a “quirky, character” home in Ponsonby, which bore the hallmarks of its previous resident, Jim Bailey and his family. Jim, a builder, had done a lot to restore the 1890 settler’s cottage. Justine understands there was a ceramic piping factory across the road on the site of Ponsonby Intermediate in the 19th century. A lot of the pipes ended up buried across the street and Jim discovered them as he excavated the section. He placed fragments of these pipes in concrete in the backyard landscaping and in the steps down to the front door. It’s a precious link to the past.
Jim, who’s become a friend of Justine and Marc, was hired by the couple to undertake renovations, including an extension that added more living space but didn’t compromise the integrity of the home. It just so happened that Jim already had three sash windows in storage. Now, the windows look like they were always meant to be there.
Justine points out the footprint of the original cottage — two rooms, with French doors at the front, that are now guest bedrooms. There’s a splitlevel down to the main living area, which includes the original brick fireplace surround, now sporting a gas fire.
Justine and Marc’s contributions include a European beech kitchen, a favourite of Marc’s as he loves to cook. There are doors out to a deck, covered by a shade sail.
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57 CLARENCE ST, PONSONBY SIZE: PRICE GUIDE: INSPECT:
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Down the stairs, the master bedroom has a large walk- in wardrobe and en suite with underfloor heating and French doors opening on to the private backyard.
“The house looks tiny from the street, but it’s a house that really takes care of you,” Justine says. These two talented musicians have always relished returning here, but it’s now time for a change.