Seclusion and flair
Awinning trifecta of architect, builder and site gives this highly specified home unparalleled advantages and will have enormous appeal for those looking for luxurious and secluded living in Fendalton.
Set at the end of a long private lane off Fendalton Road and designed by multi-award-winning architects Sheppard & Rout, this St Barnabas Lane home is an exceptional property in every respect.
Deliberately designed to run parallel to the Wairarapa Stream on its north boundary, the home has been crafted from the enduring beauty of Hinuera stone, zinc, steel, timber and glass, and spans some 647 square metres across two levels.
Inside, a predominantly white colour palette and a combination of grey tiling in a matt finish, American Oak flooring and dovegrey-coloured carpet deliver the same timeless appeal as the exterior.
Highly specified throughout, with technology right at the forefront, the unarguable desirability of the home starts with the soaring double-height entrance gallery, with its light amplified by the glass running the length of its south side.
Detailing, such as the steelbolted battens on the double door entry and the quality of finish throughout, is faultless in design and execution.
The main wing of the house accommodates a series of interconnecting living spaces that flow out to the expansive tiled terrace and lawn, planted with a leafy line-up of magnolia trees at the river’s edge and a magnificent Japanese maple to the west.
External timber louvre screens on sliding tracks prevent heat build-up within the north-facing spaces that include formal and family living, dining and a large kitchen. Those same louvres are also on the upstairs balcony.
The main kitchen, dining and family living area takes full advantage of its north-facing aspect with sliding doors opening to the grounds, greatly extending the already generous entertaining spaces over summer.
Like the rest of the house, the kitchen comes highly specified with broad expanses of countertops in white engineered stone, an impressive line-up of appliances that include a gas hob and double oven, and the adjacent butler’s pantry, complete with a wine fridge.
It’s a large, open-plan area with room to move and superb task and ambient lighting.
Many a happy hour can be spent here, watching the passing flotillas of ducklings in the spring and trying not to look them in the eye when you’re serving duck liver pate.
While all-day sun does a very effective and cost-efficient job of heating the home most of the year, you also have a gas fire, ducted heat pumps, underfloor heating in some areas and, of course, full insulation and double glazing.
Those who love to swim will find that weather will not be a consideration at all given that the heated swimming pool is housed in an indoor complex, opening to the grounds and connected to the main house by a double-height sunroom space.
The ground floor is completed with a guest bathroom, large laundry opening to an enclosed utility area and storage and garaging space, including offstreet parking.
The intercom and touch-pad access are part of the comprehensive security system.
Upstairs there are four double bedrooms and two bathrooms, including an ensuite.
All the bedrooms have access to the balcony running along the north of the house and all have elevated garden views.
Both fully tiled bathrooms, including the ensuite, are highly specified, with the ensuite having a free-standing European bath as well as a double shower and matt black tapware.
The family bathroom also has a bath as well as a shower, and both bathrooms have under-tile heating.
A fully-fitted walk-in wardrobe is off the main bedroom, while the remaining three have built-in cabinetry.
At the far end of the first floor is a room that becomes the third living room, large office or children’s media and playroom.
Having four double bedrooms,
three bathrooms, three living areas and large secure grounds means this home is tailor-made for family living with a large office offering the option of a fifth bedroom.
This is doubly so when it comes to schooling, with Christchurch Girls’ and Christchurch Boys’ high schools in the zone and in close proximity to Christchurch’s most respected private schools.
All the elements for luxurious and easy living have been cleverly incorporated in this home, which partners striking interior design, executed with almost Scandinavian simplicity and flair, with day-to-day practicality.
Its desirability is such that those looking at a property at the upper end of the market may make every effort to keep it out of the auction rooms this month by stopping it with a prior offer.