When they bought their classic heritage villa at 94 Burnley Terrace in Mt Eden in 2008, it was shabby and run-down, but this clever couple had the talent and skills needed to transform it completely.
Tom Rowe and Saskia Baetens are the founders of RB Studio and brought their architectural know-how to bear when planning an extension to the house, which had been in the same family for years and – as with many homes of its era, a lean-to had been added at the back and didn’t fit well with the style of the property.
The original, classic façade couldn’t be changed, but in a bold move the couple designed what is essentially a huge box, at the rear, stepped down in order to allow for extra high ceilings, with long narrow windows at each side and a large skylight, which allows sun to flood the kitchen, dining and living area.
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The owners say the home is compact, private and full of light and warmth. Photo / Supplied
It has white marble floors and opens to generous, level decking and a well-established, private garden, via sliding doors. Elsewhere in the house, stunning pressed tin ceilings have been uncovered and the matai floorboards have been oiled to stunning effect.
Four bedrooms are served by two bathrooms and an enormous separate, sound-proofed laundry. Rowe says that with three young children, it is put to good use.
Close to bustling Dominion Road, Burnley Terrace has a long history. It was established in the late 1880s and is recognised as a conservation area, with a large number of carefully restored Victorian and Edwardian villas.
“There are actually only two homes in the entire street that aren’t villas,” Rowe says.
The couple designed what is essentially a huge box, at the rear, that opens to level decking and a private garden via sliding doors. Photo / Supplied
He, Baetens and the children are regulars at Okra café on Sandringham Road and Tasca on Dominion Road and enjoy the close proximity of good schools and the convenience of Westfield St Lukes, which is an easy walk or drive away.
Morningside is a fast-developing adjacent suburb with new eateries having popped up during the past five years or so.
“We’ve owned this home for many years now and both of us are keen to try something different, in a new project,” Rowe says. He says he and Baetens are very proud of what they’ve achieved and they will miss the very friendly neighbourhood.
“We often sit on our veranda with a glass of wine and watch people walking past.”
Rowe says it’s hard to put into words what he and Baetens have loved most about their home. “It’s compact, yet also voluminous and we enjoy the light, privacy and warmth – plus it’s also a really great party house.”
The Mt Eden property has four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Photo / Supplied
Robyn Ellson, of Ray White Mount Eden who is marketing this property along with Josh Powell, says that homes with such style and sophistication rarely come to market.
“I don’t think I’ve actually marketed an architect’s own home before and this one has amazing spaces and I love the attention to detail.”
She says that the sense of intimacy is particularly attractive. “It feels as if there are no neighbours – it’s a true haven and when you walk in, it embraces you. This is really something special.”
94 Burnley Terrace in Mount Eden, Auckland will be sold at auction on April 6.
