Southern comfort
This Alexandra art-deco charmer oozes stylish character and warmth, writes Erin Boyle.
AN ART deco home is more than just a house – it is a statement in style and its uniqueness captures the hearts of many. Four years ago it was love at first sight for Karen and Bernard Whitham on viewing 48 Earnscleugh Rd in Alexandra.
‘‘It had a good feeling about it. The house is situated at the end of a private driveway so cannot be seen from the road and we were very taken with the attractive art deco inspired features which sit well with the charming modern refurbishment.’’
On buying the property, the intention was to spend up to half a year living at their 1948 art deco inspired delight, to ease slowly into retirement. With a city property that is lock-up-and-leave apartment-style living, this home was the perfect accompaniment.
‘‘This private property, with established garden, lots of space and Central Otago climate, was our slice of heaven,’’ says Karen.
However, retirement plans have been put on hold indefinitely due to Karen and Bernard’s business and family commitments in the city, so it is with a heavy heart that they have decided to sell. But the lifestyle that they have been able to have at 48 Earnscleugh Rd will always be treasured.
‘‘We love the views from every room in the house, even the pantry.
‘‘Our favourite activity is to bike along the river track from Alexandra to Clyde for coffee and home again, either back along the river or via the rail trail. We also enjoy playing a few holes of golf at the local courses in the area if time permits.’’
With lots of space to share, holidays are abuzz with friends and family gathering at the property. If the house is full, tents can be pitched on the lawn and the barbecue hardly gets a moment to cool down.
‘‘Our nieces and nephews love the large concrete pad on the property and promptly turn it into a skate/bike park with jumps and places to do tricks. We can accommodate everyone’s cars, bikes and boats with ease and when everyone is here it means plenty of fresh competition for the billiard table,’’ says Karen.
Once the holidays are over, Karen and Bernard can be found relaxing on the deck that overlooks the garden, Alexandra and out towards Clyde. But they aren’t alone for long as little families of quail who live among the rocks on the property will often come out to play.
As is, the property offers the opportunity for the new owners to move in and live an envious lifestyle just like the Whithams have enjoyed. But there is also the possibility to develop or subdivide the 1.0144-hectare (2.5-acre) site as resource consent has been obtained for subdivision.
Inside the house, Karen describes everything as light, fresh and spacious where some built-in furniture and plenty of storage make for comfortable living. They