The combination of a charming old English-style exterior and contemporary open-plan living flowing easily outdoors is what’s most special to the owners of this refurbished 1920s home, designed by an eminent architect.
In the 1920s and 30s Sholto Smith made his name designing high-profile Auckland commercial and residential buildings, including multiple Remuera homes.
One of this home’s current owners says of the double grammar-zoned residence: “Right from when you walk down the front brick path it’s picturesque, with a cottage feeling from the front.
“It’s called Sunningdale Cottage but a child once called it the gingerbread man house, which sums up the nostalgic, almost fairy tale feel of the exterior.
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“But when you come inside you can see it’s spacious and has been fully renovated and extended, with open-plan living, good indoor-outdoor flow and lots of light.”
The couple moved here with a toddler and baby in 2016. When the home was constructed, it was surrounded by farmland but now its eminently convenient north-facing position is just six houses away from Benson Road’s shops, a short walk from Orakei Basin.
There are two connected single garages on the street front and a wrought iron pedestrian gate in the vine-covered front fence. The front lawn has hosted lots of cricket and soccer games, with a tree swing and room for a trampoline.
Their 732sqm grounds focus on lush greenery, within tall, neat hedges. The home is predominantly weatherboard, with a band of shingles under its terracotta roof tiles, featuring a picturesque central dormer window. Inside, the restful lounge’s signature Sholto Smith arched fireplace, updated for gas, supplements the home’s central heating.
The restful lounge’s signature Sholto Smith arched fireplace, updated for gas, supplements the home’s central heating. Photo / Supplied
The 231sqm residence, which sits on a 731sqm section, has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living areas and garaging for two vehicles. Photo / Supplied
Across the hall are the downstairs bathroom and a bedroom (which could be used as an office).
Then comes the modern entertainers’ kitchen-dining room, spanning the width of the home and highlighting the hardwood timber floors which grace most of this level.
You look through the carpeted rear informal lounge, where the family often play card or board games, to outdoors.
“I absolutely love the way the pool and spa are right behind the house, so you can watch the kids playing in the pool from the kitchen,” says the owner.
There’s easy flow out to the rear deck, which they extended so it accommodates alfresco dining and extra outdoor seating.
The modern entertainers’ kitchen-dining room spans the width of the home. Photo / Supplied
Architect Sholto Smith made his name in the 1920s and 30s designing high-profile Auckland commercial and residential buildings, including multiple Remuera homes. Photo / Supplied
“We just live out there in summer, with the sun streaming down.”
The glass-fenced heated swimming pool, inground spa pool, outdoor shower and lawn complete the private, fully fenced backyard.
“I love it that we can keep downstairs pretty tidy but upstairs, where all our bedrooms are, feels private, which is great when you’ve got young kids who have differing levels of tidiness,” says the owner.
Distinctive coved battened ceilings are a feature of upstairs. The primary suite with ensuite and walk-in wardrobe is at the rear.
Another bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite access to the family bathroom, and you can access attic space from the third upstairs bedroom.
The front lawn has hosted lots of cricket and soccer games, with a tree swing and room for a trampoline. Photo / Supplied
Distinctive coved battened ceilings are a feature of the rooms upstairs. Photo / Supplied
“I go up to the shops every morning to get a coffee and it’s such a friendly community. When the children were smaller we’d get coffee and hot chocolates and walk to Little Rangitoto Reserve, where there’s a playground with flying fox and a skate park.”
The couple feel this has been a wonderfully special place for their family to live for 10 years but are ready for their next property move.
Ray White agent Richard Thode says: “This is a great family home with plenty of charm, in a prime double grammar zoned location, with all of the ingredients for making many happy memories.”
- 46 Benson Road in Remuera, Auckland, goes to auction on May 7
