Turret’s racy tale a winner
This versatile family home has lots to offer, discovers Louise Richardson
The turret of this fine early- 1900s Remuera villa has a fascinating back story, told by current owners Anthea and Peter Palmer, who have lived here for the best part of three decades. “We believe that many years ago, the then owner ran an illegal bookmaking business from the house and the turret was where he sat with his binoculars to watch the horses racing over at Ellerslie,” says Peter.
The man was caught eventually and faced the District Court where it was revealed he had been donating to a wide variety of children’s, women’s and cancer research charities, and was essentially a Robin Hood character.
“When the judge heard this, he discharged the bookmaker without conviction,” says Anthea.
Today the turret — reached via steep stairs — is still the perfect place for gazing about with stunning 360- degree views, taking in One Tree Hill and its surrounding suburbs.
Downstairs the house enjoys many beautiful period details — all lovingly celebrated and preserved by its owners over the years.
A large, sunny Cape Cod style informal living and dining space lies beside the recently refurbished kitchen and two pairs of French doors lead to an expansive wrap- around deck. When it’s too chilly to go outside, the big window seat is an ideal spot for resting or reading.
There’s an airy home office leading off this area, and it too has french doors to the deck.
Next door, the formal lounge has an elaborate plaster ceiling with central rose, as does the spare bedroom and elegant master bedroom at the front of the house. Anthea and Peter added an en suite and walk- in wardrobe here by cleverly cribbing space from the veranda beyond.
“Whenever we’ve done renovations we’ve always kept the character of the house in mind and made the changes sympathetically,” says Anthea.
The main bathroom with its brightly coloured leadlight windows has a classic, timeless vibe and the third bedroom — often occupied by visiting grandchildren — enjoys leafy garden views.
Although it isn’t immediately noticeable from the street, the house has a basement level at the bottom of carpeted stairs. Here there is a double garage, a big storage space, plus separate laundry and a third bathroom.
“We needed all those bathrooms when we had four teenagers living here,” says Peter.
He worked in the horticulture business before retiring so it’s not surprising to find attractive wellestablished gardens surrounding the house.
Birds abound in the trees and tui sometimes get drunk on berries and raise a din, he says. In addition to the garage there’s a double carport.
When he and Anthea move to their new apartment they will miss the friendly neighbourhood where their children used to roam and play.
“We’d come from Wellington and it didn’t take long for them to find lots of new playmates.
“A number of others have been here around the same length of time as us and we’re all very friendly. We have an annual street party and everyone comes. It’s always lots of fun.”
They say that in recent years more and more shops have arrived in the area and now Anthea and Peter can take their pick of half a dozen supermarkets within easy driving distance. Lunn Avenue with its superstores is a popular destination.
The property’s proximity to the motorway is a big advantage.
“We can be at Sylvia Park and in our favourite coffee shop there within 10 minutes — off- peak. It’s so handy for everything,” says Anthea. PRICE GUIDE: AUCTION: INSPECT: SCHOOLS: CONTACT: ON THE WEB: * PLUS 2 OSP