ARTISTIC FLAIR
A creative couple leaves behind a quality home with plenty of room to hang the artwork, writes LOUISE RICHARDSON.
What began as a renovation soon became a complete rebuild on the original footprint of Doug and Cary Cochrane’s Devonport home, which enjoys spectacular views to the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto, with direct access to Mount Victoria from the rear.
The couple had already lived in the existing home for a couple of years, so they knew what worked well and were able to extend on that – partly in order to create an appropriate setting for their extensive collection of artwork, collected from various countries they’d visited or lived in, prior to settling in New Zealand in 2014.
Doug and Cary, who owns Flagstaff Gallery in Devonport and was the co- founder of Art in the Park, frequently have visitors from overseas staying so the house had to be flexible and functional.
“We opened up the spaces within the house and established different zones,” says Doug.
A self- contained guest unit, complete with kitchenette is adjacent to the cinema room – which has seen its fair share of karaoke sessions too, and the internal access single garage.
On the main level is the master suite with its private terrace, two further bedrooms – one of which is currently used as an office – plus two bathrooms, separate laundry, formal lounge ( with deck), and another huge terrace for relaxing by the outdoor fireplace. The Cochranes love to entertain so the expansive kitchen, dining and casual living area enjoys a scullery for keeping food preparation out of sight and a central island where family and friends congregate.
The fifth bedroom and an office on a split level complete the picture. The de ´ cor throughout is light, bright and simple so as not to distract from the hugely varied artworks which include sculptures as well as paintings, drawing and antiquities.
Doug is keen on water activities and appreciates the easy access to Cheltenham Beach, while Cary likes to walk to her nearby gallery.
The couple are emptynesters, now that their adult son and daughter have left home, and like many in their demographic, they’re finding the property too large.
They have another home further north where they intend to spend more time – when they aren’t travelling to their native United Kingdom and elsewhere in the world.
Both say they will miss the garden which was wellestablished by the previous owners of the original house and the fact that the property, which is set back from the road, down a long driveway is incredibly quiet and peaceful.
“We have lovely neighbours – Devonport is just like a little village where everybody knows each other,” says Doug.
Listing agent Ian Cunliffe, of Harcourts, says that he is delighted to be marketing what he says is arguably one of Devonport’s finest homes.
“It’s a great example of a property that’s been completely refurbished with meticulous attention to detail and everywhere you look you’ll see quality.”
He says that interest from overseas buyers is expected as well as from locals.
Sale: Tender closes January 24 Contact: Ian Cunliffe, Harcourts Cooper & Co, 027 227 9322
“It’s a great example of a property that’s been completely refurbished with meticulous attention to detail and everywhere you look you’ll see quality.”