ROMANTIC POINT OF VIEW
This magnificent house, with a romantic history, has mesmerising views to match, writes SANDRA GOODWIN.
Known as Colwyn, the home was designed by eminent architect Sholto Smith asa romantic gift to his wife.
SAINT HELIERS
187 St Heliers Bay Road
5 5 4
This historic Arts and Crafts home’s glorious position on one of the highest points in St Heliers delivers mesmerising views which instantly captured its owners of the last 13 years.
Robin, who lives here with wife Jacqueline and their 10 and five-year-old sons, says: “We were originally looking around Mission Bay but when we saw this house we were just stunned by its incredible views.
“It’s located at the highest peak of the street and that elevation gives it a really special feeling, as if you were up on a throne,” he says.
Known as Colwyn, the home was designed by eminent architect Sholto Smith as a romantic gift to his wife, furnished with extraordinary detail.
Completed in 1925, it was sympathetically renovated and extended by previous owners under the guidance of Jones Architects prior to Robin and Jacqueline buying here.
It now has a 470sqm-plus layout on an impressive 1576sqm section enjoying sweeping harbour views.
The couple, who had both sets of parents living with them at one stage, have made further improvements including a central heating system, retrofitting double glazing and adding new decks.
187 St Heliers Bay Road has two sets of auto-gates securing entry and exit to its semi-circular driveway plus a picturesque Arts and
“Visitors looking at the outside of the home are often surprised it is so modern inside, although many heritage features have also been retained.”
Crafts style pedestrian gate.
“Visitors looking at the outside of the home are often surprised it is so modern inside, although many heritage features have also been retained,” Robin says.
“And they’re amazed when they step inside and see the view.”
The foyer with cloakroom steps down to vast open-plan living encompassing the family room-living room-designer kitchen with scullery and dining area.
“We’ve played badminton in that area. It’s excellent for entertaining and upon first seeing it friends and colleagues have asked ‘wow, how big is your lounge’.”
Living flows out to a large deck and a covered loggia with fireplace, facing north-west and admiring the view.
Robin has had a treadmill set up in this shuttered loggia and says the time flies while he’s appreciating the outlook.
Immaculate hedges surround the property including the rear’s swimming pool and level lawn where they’ve had a water slide and trampoline.
Open-plan living is bolstered by a media room plus a beautifully panelled formal lounge.
Sholto Smith had its fireplace mantel engraved for his wife with the Shakespearean verse ‘Being your slave, what should I do but tend upon the hours and times of your desire’.
Two of the homes ensuited bedrooms are on this level as is a wing of utility rooms culminating in one of two internal-access double garages.
The two ensuited bedrooms upstairs include the master with sundeck and walk-in wardrobe.
Guest quarters with a bathroom above one of the garages could suit a home office, au pair or teens.
This location is six minutes’ walk from St Heliers School and 1.2km from St Heliers village, fronted by the beach.
The couple have relished living here but no longer have either set of parents living inhouse and are committed to their next move.
Ray White, Remuera agent Simon Siddells, who is marketing the property, says: “This is an incredibly rare package featuring a beautiful landmark home well laid out for family living with magnificent views on display almost as soon as you step inside.”
Sale: Set date of sale
Contact: Simon Siddells, Ray White, 027 605 8067; Thomas Farmer, 021 865 895