An ode to 70s hipster
Louise Richardson peers inside a charming and perfectly preserved time capsule
After two years in hectic Hong Kong, followed by time spent living in a converted warehouse in Ponsonby, Leith Macfarlane, who works in law, and Andrew McCulley, a banker, wanted a taste of the traditional Kiwi quarter- acre paradise, or at least something akin to it.
What they ended up with could hardly have been a more classic example.
Down a discreet driveway, near coffee shops, chic boutiques and galleries on Northcote’s historic Hinemoa St lies a monument to the groovy, hipster style of the 1970s.
When the couple first saw it they didn’t even discuss whether they would buy it, they knew that it was going to be theirs; a very tense auction day notwithstanding.
“The 19th century building at the front, which is now a cafe, was the local pharmacy many years ago,” says Leith.
“In the 1970s, Peter, the pharmacist’s son and his wife Patricia, one of New Zealand’s first lady real estate agents, built their own dream dwelling behind the shop, eventually selling off the front part 20 years later.”
No expense was spared in creating what was an incredibly cutting edge house for its time.
Leith and Andrew, who bought it direct from Patricia in 2014, were determined to retain the unique ’ 70s vibe and have made few major changes, preferring to preserve what was still a remarkably intact ‘ time capsule’.
The gold bullion glass panels at the front entrance offer an indication of what’s to come as you step into a welcoming vestibule.
It’s designed around a central courtyard, as quiet and private as you could possibly get; the rooms of the house radiate out from there.
The couple did have to cut back a wisteria that was threatening to devour the courtyard and the result is an idyllic spot, which catches sun all year, with not a breath of wind.
In every room, ’ 70s features remain, as well as fanciful archways and porthole windows.
The kitchen has Patricia’s bespoke joinery and even the original fridge – in perfect working order. A generous pantry cupboard with sliding doors keeps clutter out of sight.
The bathroom has lost none of its character either.
The fantastic caramel- coloured moulded basin is topped off by cool square handles on the taps.
“We did decide to pull up the carpet in there though, because we knew that there was exposed concrete beneath it and it looks so good,” says Andrew.
While Patricia left some of the original light
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fittings, the couple, who adore mid- century design, have painstakingly tracked down many more.
The bedrooms are all light and bright and the lounge is especially character- filled, with a built- in wall unit that’s perfect for the stereo, while hiding the TV behind a sliding door and a gas fire that’s still giving good service — nearly 50 years after it was installed.
Behind the house is a large, bird- filled, rambling storybook garden with fruit trees, spring bulbs, a patio and three sheds, one of which first owner Peter used for potting.
“I thought that since there was a kiln, I should try my own hand at it,” says Leith.
“I’ve been making vases that look in keeping with the era of the house.”
Good coffee is practically on- site at Villa Coffee House out the front, while Chelsea Refinery and the beach are just a few minutes’ walk and the harbour bridge is not far away.
The couple have some new opportunities occupying them right now, hence their decision to sell.
“It definitely wasn’t taken lightly,” they say.