This stately 1890s two-storey return veranda home with mesmerising harbour views, owned by a former high commissioner to the UK and National Party president, is for sale after 43 years.
One of 86-year-old John Collinge’s daughters, Hilary, describes her father’s kauri homestead as stately and grand.
“Mind you, it was in four different flats and was very run-down when Dad bought it in 1982. He has done a lovely job restoring it to its former glory, improving it with utmost sympathy for the original aesthetic of the property.”
John’s English and Scottish ancestry, Masters degree (MLitt) undertaken at Oxford and University of Leeds law lecturer position ingrained a love of England and English aesthetics in him before he was 30 years old.
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Little wonder then that this expansive, refined home abounding with craftmanship took his fancy. Prominent early architect William Holman, of Holman and Moses, designed this home for successful Scottish-born businessman D. B. McDonald Esquire.
Holman’s beautifully drawn ink and watercolour architectural plans sit in Auckland University’s architectural archives, while framed copies of them hanging in the home will remain with the property.
Early renovations transformed it from flats to a liveable family home.
Subsequent architecturally designed improvements extended it, improved flow and functionality and added two sympathetically designed freestanding guest houses.
Hilary says, “Dad has always been very particular about how it looks from the street and mindful of balance in the design”.
The stately 1890s two-storey home has seven bedrooms, six bathrooms and garaging for four vehicles, plus multiple living zones. Photo / Supplied
John Collinge’s daughter Hilary remembers as a primary schooler sliding down the staircase banister. Photo / Supplied
The main home’s slate roof was replaced this year. The 322sqm home (including the two guest houses) sits well back on its 987sqm grounds, fronted by lawn. Its prime northerly facing position bathes it in sun and delivers a stellar view of the harbour bridge and Westhaven Marina, which continues around the harbour to the city.
Family commented that “every New Year’s eve and Guy Fawkes we’d get an amazing view of the fireworks, and front row seats from upstairs’ wraparound veranda of New Zealand’s 1995 America’s Cup win”.
The downstairs veranda introduces attractive stained glass windows surrounding the front door. But these can’t hold a candle to the stairwell’s five exquisite leadlight windows which form a large arch shape.
As a primary schooler Hilary remembers sliding down the steep staircase banister, dismounting in the stately entrance hall with ornately carved staircase newel post and exposed kauri floorboards.
The high stud and bay windows underline the elegance of the two front rooms flanking the hallway, former lawyer John’s beloved office and the graceful main living room.
Both of these have character fireplaces, which are among five here which have been converted to gas and supplemented with ducted air conditioning.
The 322sqm home, including the two guesthouses, sits well back on its 987sqm grounds, fronted by lawn. Photo / Supplied
Barfoot & Thompson agent Jill Jackson says: “This home is dripping with character, on a lovely big site with truly sensational views.” Photo / Supplied
A generous separate dining room neighbours the light-filled marble-bench kitchen, which opens to a side patio. Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a more compact office and separate laundry opening to another patio complete this level.
As university students, Hilary and her elder sister Miriam loved the convenience of having motorway access nearby, Ponsonby Road about 10 minutes’ walk away and walking down Jacobs Ladder stairs towards the city. Another spacious living room celebrating the view, three ensuites and three bedrooms (one with walk-in wardrobe) complete upstairs.
The separate guest houses are suitable for visitors, an au pair, or teenagers. Each has an ensuited bedroom and kitchenette, and the one above the separate double garage also has a north-facing deck.
John has loved living in this home, hosting many family members and friends over the years, but it is now time to downsize.
Barfoot & Thompson agent Jill Jackson says: “This home is dripping with character, on a lovely big site with truly sensational views.”
10 London Street in St Marys Bay, Auckland, is on the market for sale by auction on August 20.
- Sponsored by Barfoot & Thompson
