A superb slice of Edwardiana

Press, 19 April 1989, Page 57

A superb slice of Edwardiana

The ideal of complete harmony in emphasis between a house and its environs is a goal rarely achieved in reality. The fusion into an integrated whole of both home and garden is in practice as elusive as a total period restoration project. A delightful exception to these rules in the form of a superbly restored Edwardian mansion has recently been placed on the local market priced at $360,000. The property has been owned for the last six years by a professional couple who have recently joined that demographic bulge known as “empty nesters” — couples whose children have grown up and made a familysized home no longer necessary. One of the more alluring aspects of the property is that it is ideal for family living (with a good dollop of gracious entertaining), while still exuding the tasteful ambience that results from the massive restoration work of recent years. When the couple purchased the property with an eye to

upgrading it they avoided the pitfall of rash, rapid action and engaged an architect and landscape artist to plan the end result. Neil Armstrong was the architect, Tim Glasson the landscaper. The result is a supremely coherent mix of home and garden. Bar the irrigation system the garden layout and design would delight even the most rabid devotee of Edwardian gardening. Hollyhocks, rhododendrons, an abundance of classic old roses, wisteria artfully entwining the veranda, formal paths and excel-

lent established trees are keynotes of the garden. From the picket fence entrance to the stream boundary, through to the recycled wrought iron altar rails around the private pool at the rear, every square inch of the 1262 sq. m section is'tastefully utilised. The two-storey mansion lives up to the title, boasting 3500 sq ft in area with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, formal dining, a family room and an excellent kitchen designed by Neil Armstrong. There is one-tone neutral carpet throughout. The interior decor reflects the careful attention to period detail that is the hallmark of both home and garden. The real estate agent conducting the sale of the property is Wendy Halliday of Cowdy Doig Real Estate, M.R.E.I.N.Z.