People buying highly sought-after Chapman-Taylor homes know that they will be custodians of some of New Zealand’s most iconic Arts and Crafts architecture, and Michael Booth and Sue Fleischl were no exception.
The couple had attended an open home at 14 Rewiti Avenue, in 2016 – purely out of curiosity, but Michael found he couldn’t get the property off his mind.
“I went to the auction, not exactly intending to buy it, but shortly afterwards I found myself texting Sue to let her know I’d placed the winning bid.”
Despite its visual picture book charm, the dwelling was in practically original order. Michael explains that it was built in the 1920s by Chapman-Taylor and his son Rex for a local jeweller, Reuben Watts.
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Unfortunately, Reuben went bankrupt during the Great Depression, and the house was purchased by the Golder family, who held it tightly for the next 90 years, making very few changes.
Michael says that the kitchen still had meat safes instead of electric refrigeration and there was a sweet little Shacklock coal range, which the couple eventually had restored.
A stunning new kitchen pavilion – architecturally designed by Peter Were and reached via a glass walkway, was completed a few years ago and equipped with ultra-high-end appliances, including a La Cornue range.
However, the little 1920s kitchen still sees chef and catering company owner, Sue producing a Sunday roast on occasion and it’s a lovely sunny spot for morning coffees.
As the property is Heritage A-listed, Michael and Sue have had to work hard at bringing it into the 21st century without sacrificing any intrinsic characteristics.
Bayleys agent Victoria Bidwell: “Everybody who comes to open homes falls in love with this unique property and the fact it has every possible modern convenience, along with true character.” Photo / Supplied
The Xanthe White-designed garden is in the old English style, lending a picture book charm to the home. Photo / Supplied
During the restoration, the vendors carefully restored exquisite hand-painted murals. Photo / Supplied
“Some people think the heritage rules are too difficult to comply with, but we found just the opposite, and really enjoyed the challenge,” says Michael, adding that everybody involved was pleasant and passionate – especially tradespeople, who were excited to show off their skills.
“I was particularly impressed with the copper spouting,” he says.
The pair regularly found pleasant surprises as the house was pulled apart – including light-coloured walls, which were hidden under Pinex panels at the entrance, while other major projects within the renovation included the careful restoration of exquisite hand-painted murals.
The couple have been spending more time in Central Otago recently, so keeping a large Auckland residence feels impractical.
A stunning new kitchen pavilion – architecturally designed by Peter Were – was completed a few years ago and equipped with ultra-high-end appliances, including a La Cornue range. Photo / Supplied
The home has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, parking for three cars and multiple living areas, and sits on a 860sqm section. Photo / Supplied
“We’ll miss this corner of Takapuna where we’re just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. There’s a nice, relaxed feeling, with very friendly people.”
Victoria Bidwell, who is marketing Michael and Sue’s home, saw it herself in 2016, so she’s well aware of the effort that’s gone into its glorious resurrection, and she especially loves the Xanthe White-designed old English style garden.
“Everybody who comes to open homes falls in love with this unique property and the fact it has every possible modern convenience, along with true character,” she says.
“Michael and Sue have thought of absolutely everything – there’s even a fish gutting sink outside and the carport has electric blinds, while the main garage opens into the scullery. Plus, you’re just across the road from the beach, via a little walkway. What more could anybody want?”
- 14 Rewiti Avenue in Takapuna, North Shore, Auckland, goes to auction on July 8
