Character building

Elegant villa has been brought up to date without losing its charm, writes Louise Richardson

2018-03-03 -

There’s a fine art involved in bringing a stately Edwardian villa into the 21st Century without compromising its history and character, and Auckland lawyer Ed Crook and his wife Helen have achieved a wonderful result in the home they share with twins Thomas and Alex, 16, and daughters Madeleine, 13, and Hannah, 11, just a short walk from Cheltenham Beach.

The couple bought what had been operating as a period-style B&B establishment 11 years ago and took their time with renovations because they wanted to get a good “feel” for it all before doing anything major.

The leadlight front door opens into an entrance lobby with ornate ceilings and polished matai floorboards. The walls are solid white and make an ideal gallery for a local art collection. To the left of the central hallway is the formal lounge, a serene spot with its original fireplace.

Next to it lies a music room (but it could be a bedroom) — where the boys’ band practises and Helen plays her violin. The room has a fireplace, and views to the leafy garden outside.

Across the hall are the twins’ bedrooms, each with an en suite, and Madeleine’s room with its walk-in wardrobe.

It’s been a huge pleasure living here and simply being part of bringing it all alive.

“It was important to us that each child had his or her own space,” says Helen.

Beyond this is the family bathroom, with timeless decor, and a big separate laundry with a bank of handy storage cupboards. Back along the hallway and around a corner are the kitchen, dining and family room.

“The original kitchen was right in the centre of the house and it was very dark, so clearly that was something we would need to change. We got a lot of expert input into our decision to relocate it to the rear,” says Helen.

The resulting area is huge and hard-working with loads of bench space, high-quality appliances and a well-appointed scullery, where Helen keeps any clutter out of sight. With sliding windows to the deck outside, the kitchen is an ideal place to watch children splashing in the pool, or to chat to guests.

The adjacent dining and family room with its wood burner for winter is also super-sized, and great for entertaining crowds.

Upstairs, the master bedroom enjoys wonderful views across the neighbourhood to the harbour, and the bathroom next door is shared with Hannah, whose pretty little bedroom is in the turret.

“It gets warm up here in summer — and it’s great in winter, too,” says Helen.

She adds that though she and Ed have changed many aspects of the house, its footprint remains the same as when they bought it.

“It’s been a huge pleasure living here and simply being part of bringing it all alive.

“We’re English so we love the light-filled aspect of life in New Zealand and this house certainly has that.”

The renovations, including installing central heating, have been done tastefully and carefully.

While the property is much-loved, and more-orless ideal for the Crook family’s needs, Madeleine and Hannah are horse-mad so their parents have decided that a lifestyle block — with room for their ponies — might be a good next move.

They’ll be leaving behind a quiet, friendly neighbourhood but say the lure of Cheltenham Beach will see them back, visiting regularly.

5 4 0*

46 TAINUI RD, CHELTENHAM BEACH

SIZE (more or less): Land 751sq m, house

330sq m.

PRICE GUIDE: Circa $4 million.

TENDER: Closes Wed

21 March, 5pm.

SCHOOLS: Vauxhall School, Belmont Intermediate, Takapuna Grammar.

INSPECT: Sun 1-2pm or by appointment

CONTACT: Jelena Freeman, Premium, 021

656 563.