Fans of Group Architects and mid-century modern minimalist design will be excited by this new listing that has only had two owners in 60 years.
The native timber panelling, clerestory windows and unique character of this 160sqm split-level home remain intact. Designed to be a family home, it’s open-plan living and considered layout, brings everyone together.
When the current owners bought the property in 2003, they were looking for a larger family home.
“The minute we saw this place we knew it was special,” says owner Gemma James. “The wood panelling and windows everywhere. It was just so beautiful. We didn’t know anything about its architectural significance at the time, only that it was clearly a superbly designed home.”
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A few years later a real estate agent knocked on the door and asked: “Is this a Group Architects home?”. After he left, she did some research and discovered the architect was James Hackshaw, a founding member of Group Architects.
“This house was completed in 1967 and is a wonderful example of the Group aesthetic and of Hackshaw’s signature style,” says James.
“It’s a split-level design tucked down from the street and follows the contours of the land it sits on. And the extensive rimu panelling and exposed exterior rafters, are features that are integral to the design of the home.
“Now I can spot a Group Architect home anywhere. They have such a specific look and feel.”
Homeowner Gemma James says: “The minute we saw this place we knew it was special. The wood panelling and windows everywhere. It was just so beautiful.” Photo / Supplied
Improvements to the home include a heat pump and ducted heating, adding internet ports in every room, and continual maintenance. Photo / Supplied
Every door in the house connects to the outdoors, including the four bedrooms which each have stable doors and overextended eaves for shelter, inviting the outside in. “Being able to view the garden and greenery from every window, creates a sense of tranquillity within the home.”
It has been very well thought out, with the dining and the kitchen placed in the middle of the home, and all other rooms extending from this point.
“As a parent you barely have to raise your voice to draw everyone back to you,” says James. “We have loved the way it centres family living. There are many separate spaces but lots of points of togetherness in the house as well.”
Having individual rooms each for the shower, bath and two toilets was also deliberate. Doors to the shower room, a room for the bath and toilet line up together and are a design element that is repeated throughout the house.
All four bedrooms and the built-in dining room cupboards align across entire walls. This provides a lovely symmetry to the home. Aside from “opening up” the little brick patio off the kitchen / dining area, James and her husband Callum Smith haven’t made any alterations.
The home was designed by James Hackshaw, a founding member of Group Architects. Photo / Supplied
“We opened that up because it wasn’t a very usable space. Now we have a sizeable courtyard which is wonderful for entertaining.”
Improvements include a heat pump and ducted heating, adding internet ports in every room, and continual maintenance. “We chose not to tamper with the house for fear of destroying the design and feel of the home,” says James.
The section includes established and bountiful grapefruit, plum, pear and macadamia trees.
James is sad she won’t be making marmalade this year but now that the youngest of five children has left home, the couple are ready to downsize.
Things they’ve loved about the property include its central location to the city and Takapuna Beach, proximity to the Northcote shopping centre, local schools and it being a quiet cul-de-sac for their children growing up.
The native timber panelling, clerestory windows and unique character remain intact. Photo / Supplied
Ray White agent Elaine Ferguson says: “This home has character without the fuss, featuring modern, clean and satisfying lines.” Photo / Supplied
“Our kids are bereft that we are selling it. And while it will be hard to let go of, we are ready to pass it on to somebody else, to come and love it as much as we have,” says James.
While it’s always difficult to place a value on something so unique and original, this easy-to-live-in home should have wide appeal, says Elaine Ferguson of Ray White.
“This home has character without the fuss, featuring modern, clean and satisfying lines. A new owner could certainly renovate to suit their needs while still preserving its aesthetic beauty and history.”
26 Martin Crescent in Northcote, North Shore, Auckland, is for sale by a set date, deadline closing April 15.
- Sponsored by Ray White
