EVOLUTION OFA COTTAGE
The couple who’ve loved living in this distinctive home for 26 years accept its name Pear Tree Cottage isn’t the most accurate descriptor.
Former TV journalist Dairne and recently retired CEO Fraser moved to this double grammar-zoned property from a Victoria Avenue residence in 1997, wanting more space.
Dairne says: “There is a pear tree in the front garden which has survived and still produces a few pears. But it’s not really a cottage anymore, although that’s what it would have started as in the 1920s before being expanded over the last 100 years.”
A Simon Carnahan-designed rear extension completed not long before the couple purchased took the home to more than 300sqm not including the sympathetically designed separate double garage.
The expansive and elevated 1259sqm section has lots of trees and a view to the north of the harbour and Devonport.
Dairne says: “It’s going to be hard to say goodbye to that view; it reminds you what Auckland is all about – the city by the water. We used to be sailors and when we stopped Fraser was still able to watch the Wednesday night races from here. It’s a moving feast out there.”
It was Fraser who initially fell in love with the property’s character.
And they’ve appreciated having a view, having had a great outlook in Brazil when they lived there for Fraser’s work.
People passing by often comment on the home, distinctive for its black kauri weatherboards.
Dairne says: “Auckland is changing so dramatically, so houses like ours are pretty rare.”
The couple’s daughter and Fraser’s two children from his previous marriage are adults now, but loved the inground swimming pool, which has both a bathroom and a sauna nearby.
Dairne says: “Now it’s the grandchildren learning how to belly flop into the pool. We entertained here a lot over the years.
“We’ve had surprise parties for people with everyone hiding in the front living room with the lights out, pre-ball parties and for Fraser’s last significant birthday I organised a surprise Brazilian dinner cooked by Brazilians with Brazilian dancers.”
Their generous foyer includes the staircase. This is fronted by a living room opening to another porch and an office, which house two of the home’s three fireplaces, complemented by ducted temperature control.
The sole bedroom on this level has worked well for guests, with a bathroom and powder room nearby. The rear extension’s high angled ceiling incorporates large angled skylights, which light floods through.
“Simon Carnahan has kept it very complementary to the older house. But even though they look alike there is also a real contrast.”
It contains the kitchen-lounge-informal dining, opening wide to a U-shaped patio for outdoor entertaining overlooking the pool. There’s a generous formal dining room off the open-plan area. This flaunts some of the home’s beautiful timber floors.
Upstairs, the master with ensuite and walk-in wardrobe accompanies the third and fourth bedroom and another bathroom. There’s plentiful lawn for children’s play and the under-house storage areas have included a man-cave workshop.
Dairne will miss their convenient location and a visiting tui whose trill she mimics before he trills back to her. However they are ready to downsize.
Ray White agent Steve Koerber says: “The family I envisage buying here would be someone that wants to renovate and give the home some love and bring it to its full potential.”
“Simon Carnahan has kept it very complementary to the older house. But even though they look alike there is also a real contrast.”