Elizabeth Hayes has poured her heart and soul, with endless time and a lot of money into lovingly restoring her classic Sholto Smith-designed 1920s Arts and Crafts mansion, in popular Ranui Road, over the past five years.
The Canadian architect was behind a number of similarly attractive homes in the near neighbourhood and across the harbour in Devonport.
As a fan of the era’s distinctive and elegant architectural style – immortalised most famously by designer William Morris, she has lived in similar dwellings throughout her life, both here and in the United Kingdom.
Throughout this latest project she has paid meticulous attention to every tiny detail – including the new Marseille roof tiles, which were sourced from Italy and 4000 cedar shingles, imported from Canada.
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“While the property was being re-roofed, I had 36 new windows custom-made for the old section of the house. They had to be bespoke as their sizes are all different and we used the thickest glass possible for its insulating qualities,” she says.
Once the outside walls were repainted, Elizabeth and the talented team of local artisan craftspeople she’d assembled turned their attention to the home’s interior with authentic colour choices based on its original era and William Morris fabrics sent out from England for the draperies.
The spectacular Morgan Cronin kitchen was put in by previous owners and lightly tweaked by Elizabeth.
“The huge bench with big storage cupboards on its side and in front of the bar stools are a real bonus,” she says.
The spectacular Morgan Cronin kitchen was put in by previous owners and lightly tweaked by the current owner. Photo / Supplied
The property has four bedrooms in the main residence; the fifth bedroom in the sleepout is perfect for guests, with its own bathroom and separate access. Photo / Supplied
Four bedrooms in the main house are sophisticated yet understated and extremely comfortable, with a bathroom and dressing room adding sophistication to the master. A fifth bedroom in the sleepout is perfect for guests, with its own bathroom and separate access.
Giant living areas with gas fireplaces are designed for entertaining and retain numerous original features.
Elizabeth has installed state-of-the-art security throughout and upgraded all the outdoor areas. The solar-heated pool and spa are serenaded via outdoor speakers and new built-in furniture adds to the tropical resort vibe. With a double garage there is also copious off-street parking.
As a flower lover, the choice of plantings was also important to Elizabeth who guided professional landscapers in evoking the character and charm of Vita Sackville West’s celebrated garden at Sissinghurst in Kent.
During the restoration process, the owner paid meticulous attention to every tiny detail, including ordering 36 new windows custom-made for the old section of the house. Photo / Supplied
The solar-heated pool and spa are serenaded via outdoor speakers and new built-in furniture adds to the tropical resort vibe. Photo / Supplied
Giant living areas with gas fireplaces are designed for entertaining and retain numerous original features. Photo / Supplied
“I’ve tried to keep to a white plant colour scheme but some of the existing camellias are pink and red and I didn’t have the heart to replace them,” says Elizabeth.
She has realised that the house is too big for one person but she’s moving close by.
“I absolutely love this part of Remuera. It’s a privilege to be selling this iconic home, which has been brought up to modern standards with a perfect blend of old and new features,” says Richard Thode, who is marketing the property.
“It ticks so many boxes for prospective buyers, including street presence and the use of quality materials. A new family looking for double grammar zoning could easily move in before Christmas and enjoy summer by the pool.”
- 23 Ranui Road in Remuera, Auckland, is for sale by a set date
