Much has been written about this Devonport icon over the years – a former historic church renovated into a three-storey home with a subtle nod to its past.
With elevated views out to Mt Victoria over leafy streets and roofs of turn-of-the-century villas, its north-facing position also soaks up the sun.
Current owner Stephanie May and her late husband Len – a motor racing enthusiast – were Christchurch earthquake refugees when they snapped up 10 Calliope Road in 2011.
“We had a shared love for historic houses. Our previous home was a category one listed house but that was mortally wounded in the earthquake and had to be demolished. Moving to Auckland was something Len wasn’t terribly keen on but he did like Devonport. Though we agreed on no churches,” Stephanie laughs.
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When the real estate agent pressed her to take a look she was reluctant but thought she’d humour him and “it was absolutely love at first sight”.
“I just couldn’t believe what I was looking at. I’ve seen other church renovations and none of them match this at all because you walk in and it’s not a church. It’s hard to describe how wonderful the living space is. And it had a large double garage – a very valuable commodity in central Devonport.”
There are no council records of when it was first built though it’s believed to be 1898. A 1903 notice in the Auckland Star confirms it was a gospel hall and it operated as one until around 1972 when it was bought by Brett Dawson and his then fiancee Elizabeth Nicholson who were house hunting in the area and saw it was for sale.
The Dawsons went on to extensively renovate the church in 1984 with the help of Devonport architect Geoff Richards which involved gutting the building and re-siting all the windows. A structural engineer was also brought in and heavy laminated and steel beams installed to carry the new floors for the rooms set within the gabled roof line.
The entranceway is the one part of the property which still retains its original character. Photo / Supplied
There are no council records of when the home was first built though it’s believed to be 1898. Photo / Supplied
In 2002 the property was bought by Mike and Sue French who transformed it into the footprint that it is today. The Frenchs lived in it for four months before drawing up plans of what they wanted to do with architect friend Bruce Elton. What followed was an extensive 18-month renovation from top to bottom.
Retaining as well as recreating the original character of the building – including kauri floors, stairs and doors – whilst creating a warm home which has natural flow and is comfortable to live in.
Additions included bi-fold doors which open off the lounge on to a large deck and entertainment area. “It’s a family home with big social spaces.”
During the Frenchs’ time it had six bedrooms. Currently, two of those are being used as a study and small library respectively. There’s a bathroom on each of the three levels as well as two living areas and internal access to the garage.
On the upper level, the master bedroom has an ensuite and walk-in wardrobe. French doors also lead from the room on to a deck with northerly views to Mount Victoria, Ngataringa Bay and Takapuna.
The church’s organ, made in Chicago in 1903, still resides in the foyer. Photo / Supplied
The home has five bedrooms, four bathrooms, multiple living areas and garaging, all within a 501sqm section. Photo / Supplied
“I look down, out and over historic Devonport,” says Stephanie. “I live at treetop level in the kitchen and dining area. It’s beautiful. The home has trees all around it and hedges, so greenery is all you see and it’s incredibly private.”
A keen cook, Stephanie admits she is going to miss the kitchen’s “efficient” layout and huge sink.
The entranceway is the one part of the property which still retains its original character and the church’s organ, made in Chicago in 1903, still resides in a foyer and provides a lovely link with the past and a salute to the origin of the building.
The lower level, which also has a bedroom and bathroom, has been designed so that it can be used as a self-contained area.
Because the home began life as a church, the outdoor space is compact and easy to maintain. The lawns take just minutes to mow, while in a sunny corner – once home to a spa pool – sits what Stephanie fondly calls “the gin pit”: two red bucket chairs on the original concrete slab, framed by neat hedging, and perfectly positioned for a late-afternoon G&T.
Because the home began life as a church, the outdoor space is compact and easy to maintain. Photo / Supplied
Current owner Stephanie May and her late husband Len were Christchurch earthquake refugees when they snapped up 10 Calliope Road in 2011. Photo / Supplied
What she loves most is the generosity of space in the home and the fact that it is so comfortable and liveable. And its central location.
“If I had to compare Devonport with something it would be Sausalito in San Francisco. It’s got restaurants, art and I can walk down the road to the supermarket and it’s eight minutes across the harbour to Commercial Bay which I consider part of my shopping area.
“I’m 79 and I can walk to the ferry and be in Downtown Auckland in 15 minutes. For a suburb on the North Shore, it’s actually very city central and convenient with lots of good schools in the area.”
A self-described maximalist, she is dreading downsizing, but says the home is now ready for its next chapter.
Linda Simmons, of Bayleys, considers it an honour to be charged with finding its next custodians. “It’s a home that has always intrigued locals who have watched its transformations over the years, but never had the chance to see it for themselves as it has always been snapped up quickly.”
10 Calliope Road in Devonport, North Shore, Auckland, is for sale, deadline closing June 10.
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