Decades ago, Amanda was so entranced with this home directly opposite the Wharua Reserve playground she’d take one of her daughters to play in, that she politely approached an elderly lady in its front garden.
That “if you ever wanted to sell ...” approach went nowhere at the time but Amanda retained a strong sense she’d live here, buying it with husband Kerry about a decade later when it came up for auction.
“I’m sure people thought we were mad because by then we’d built a new house in Eastbourne Road, but I’d always loved this house,” Amanda says.
In 2001, the couple became its first owners outside the Kinder family, headed by eminent artist, photographer, Anglican clergyman and teacher, John Kinder.
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This home at 9 Wharua Road in Remuera started life around the late 1800s as the gardener’s cottage for Kinder’s estate Woodcroft, its large acreage extending from Arney Road.
The cottage passed down within his family and Frank Lloyd Wright’s aesthetic influenced its notably extension in 1913 by acclaimed architect Atkinson Abbott, whose landmark designs include Auckland Grammar School.
It was still single storied when Kinder’s granddaughter Paddy sold it but Amanda and Kerry needed a family home for four.
9 Wharua Road in Remuera started life in the late 1800s as the gardener’s cottage at John Kinder’s estate, Woodcroft. Photo / Supplied
“I remember there was original scrim on the walls and its roof had been built over the cottage’s original roof.
“There was a line-up of three little rooms, the dry scullery, wet scullery and a laundry, where our kitchen is now.”
They were resolutely sympathetic to the home’s essence when commissioning late architect Graham Pitts and craftsman builder Phil Dakers to renovate it, adding a level above and below what was there.
“I think the house almost has a story-book feeling, with so much character and its beautiful view out to the harbour, Rangitoto, Mt Victoria and North Head,” Amanda says.
The kitchen was once three little rooms comprising a dry scullery, wet scullery and a laundry. Photo / Supplied
The view from the window seat looks out to the harbour, Rangitoto, Mt Victoria and North Head. Photo / Supplied
It emanates street appeal sitting proudly on the corner of Bell Road, zoned for Victoria Ave Primary and double Grammar.
The deep wrap-around veranda contributes to a richly atmospheric quality, with multitudinous character features blending with modern amenity.
The front door’s Frank Lloyd Wright-style lattice, incorporating hand-blown glass, is echoed in the latticed ceiling rose in the elegant timber-panelled entry foyer.
A formal lounge features an arts-and-crafts era fireplace and a deep window seat. The formal dining room with second character fireplace has an office annex and a wall of library-like book-shelving.
The formal dining room with a second character fireplace has an office annex and a wall of library-like book-shelving. Photo / Supplied
The deep wrap-around veranda contributes to a richly atmospheric quality. Photo / Supplied
“I find this home’s atmosphere so restful and calming,” Amanda says.
“And I love the quality of light throughout the house, which is something our architect really thought about.”
A striking heritage butler’s servery-pantry accompanies the kitchen with marble island, flowing out to a courtyard.
An additional front lounge has previously functioned as a master bedroom, with a walk-in-wardrobe and bathroom nearby, neighbouring a bedroom.
9 Wharua Road has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and an oversized internal-access double garage. Photo / Supplied
Currently, a ground-level room with beautifully luminous light and accompanying walk-in-wardrobe is favoured as the master. This level includes the third bathroom, laundry, oversized internal-access double garage and plentiful storage including a storage room.
The upper level has two bedrooms, a bathroom and valley views. Gardened grounds with lawn have the bonus of the playground and reserve opposite. The home is now larger than needed.
Ray White agent Steen Nielsen, who is marketing the property, says, “This incredibly special and distinctive residence steeped in history, envelops you with an intoxicating mix of views, rich character and soulfulness, sympathetically updated for spacious amenity.”
9 Wharua Road in Remuera, Auckland will be sold at auction on May 11.
