Driveway to wonder
This rural residence is perfect for visitors but can also make the world go away, finds Catherine Smith
Many a house- hunter can tell the story of falling in love with a property after just admiring the outside. Most of those at the very least have had a glimpse of the house. But Michael and Lindsay Eastgate decided to buy their country villa when they turned off the Waiwera road into an avenue of London plane trees.
“At the bottom of the driveway, we went ‘ okay, we’re in trouble now’,” says Michael. “That driveway sold it for us. The previous owners were English guys, one was an antique dealer, they just loved gardening. With two thirds of the land in native bush, it was a dream for us. We keep saying it is ‘ all lifestyle, no responsibility’.”
The couple, who adore doing up houses, had been looking for country schools for their son, then 4 ( and, not so urgently, for his baby sister) as they’d dreamed of relocating from the city to a bit of land. They’d just finished renovating a house in Northcote, and when they saw the elegant villa, thought it would be out of their league. They were thrilled to win the house, intending it to be their long- term home. They loved the arts and crafts bones, but were itching to update the house to fit their love of entertaining crowds, and for kids growing out of the toddler stage. It is only the seduction of a new job in Brisbane for Michael that is prompting the sale now, much to their sorrow.
The 1920s transitional villa was moved to the property from Parnell in the 1990s. That allowed it to be oriented to the sun, and positioned to create a great, flat backyard for the children. Michael and Lindsay simplified the landscaping so they didn’t have to do any work, but kept the best of the layout created by the former owners. First up was filling in a dated swimming pool to make a front lawn. However, they carefully engineered retaining walls so a modern replacement can be installed by future owners. Their kids are happy to explore the bush paths and climb trees, and the couple found the ideal school just up the road.
Developments at Silverdale and the new Millwater off- ramp have dramatically changed their commutes ( Michael works in Albany, Lindsay is a PhD student at Auckland University), and Orewa beach is an easy drive away. But, Michael admits, some weekends they love to shut the gates and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the property.
However, other times, theirs is the go- to place for friends and family. Michael says they didn’t change the structure of much of the house, as the porches and gracious formal living rooms and bedrooms simply needed fresh paint, drapes and lighting, the matai floors refinishing and windows decorating. They updated the master ensuite bathroom and guest ensuite, creating a welcoming space for long- term visits from Lindsay’s American family.
Original features like the fire- surrounds, leadlight and sash windows and old claw- foot tub in the bathroom were retained to tell the story of the house. An unfinished loft space has scope for new owners to add their own stamp to the 100 years of history.
But the seasoned renovators spotted their big opportunity: updating the original kitchen and separate dining room in a total overhaul. Both rooms were tiny, cut off from the rest of the house, and from the views of the countryside. Lindsay took months to figure out the design, settling on a modern farmhouse look. The couple pushed out the kitchen footprint, adding a welcoming centre island, and opened up to the dining room and its covered porch with french doors. The big Belling cooker, and stylish vintage- look taps from Perrin and Rowe set the theme, complete with panelled cupboards and granite counters.
The warm, family house was everything the Eastgates hoped for — a vibrant hub for friends and family, and soothing retreat from the city. They’re enthusiastic about their next adventure — Queenslander do- ups be warned — and excited to share their happy place with the next lucky family.