Whistler’s Lodge has reverberated with the sounds of children reciting their ABCs and the world’s greatest whistler’s melodies, which Marilyn Monroe said sent shivers up her spine.
A 1930s schoolhouse, this unique and characterful building was relocated here in the 1980s before evolving into a home, once owned by the late “world’s greatest whistler” Ronnie Ronalde.
One of the current owners, Donna, says: “It really is a home that tugs on your heartstrings and I can imagine a family loving it here. We’ve renovated but because we love its diverse history, we’ve kept character features and some original schoolhouse elements. These include side-by-side hallway toilets with ‘Boys’ on one door and ‘Girls’ on the other.”
The 1.2-hectare lifestyle property at 2 Pinestead Reach in Stillwater, Rodney, with established grounds and its own bore offers numerous opportunities. The home accompanies renovated one-bedroom and two-bedroom cottages, a ‘She Shed’ for craft and a 72sqm separate workshop with Wi-Fi and power.
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Donna and husband Darren bought here 17 years ago, later joined by Donna’s mum who lives in the two-bedroom cottage.
Donna says: “It’s been quite an iconic Stillwater property. We first noticed it when we lived in Albany and would drive past it heading to the Stillwater boat ramp to go fishing. I was always drawn to it.”
It’s thought the schoolhouse with only two schoolrooms and a compact principal’s office originated in Patumahoe. Once relocated, previous owners reconfigured and expanded its layout. Extending under the roofline created an upper level with dormer windows.
The renovated interior combines rich textures and tones with modern functionality.
There are two cottages, one with one bedroom and the other with two bedrooms, each with a living-dining-kitchenette, bathroom and decks.
“Our location on a no-exit road makes you feel like you’re in your own little world, with restful views over the countryside. And yet it’s less than 10 minutes’ drive to Silverdale and the Hibiscus Coast. The new Penlink highway, currently under construction, will only be a few minutes’ drive away.”
Donna had a Whistler’s Lodge plaque made to hang above the leadlight front doors which announce the main home’s welcoming foyer. This celebrates the name chosen by British-born Ronnie Ronalde who broke box-office records all over the world in the ‘40s to ‘60s whistling, yodelling, imitating birdsong and more.
The renovated interior combines rich textures and tones with modern functionality. A few elements reflect Donna’s love of vintage-industrial, while heritage features include three-metre-high beamed ceilings, leadlights and a gracious hallway arch.
“I like things that tell a story and reflect a past life.”
A few elements reflect a co-homeowner’s love of vintage-industrial, while heritage features include three-metre-high beamed ceilings, leadlights and a gracious hallway arch.
Whistler’s Lodge started life in the 1930s as a schoolhouse before being relocated to Stillwater in the 1980s.
A formal lounge with wood-burner and a library are alternatives to the open-plan living-dining-kitchen and large butler’s pantry. The ensuited master suite with walk-in wardrobe has a clawfoot bath in its bedroom, luxuriously warmed in winter by a nearby woodburner. Another bedroom, an office and laundry complete this level. There’s storage and a double garage underneath. Upstairs two bedrooms, both ensuited, flank a living area.
Indoor-outdoor living is emphasized with a 100sqm deck, overlooking sweeping lawns. The swimming pool neighbours a wood-fired pizza oven and a covered patio with chimenea.
“It’s brilliant for entertaining here. We use this space almost year-round, it’s our favourite area of the property and has accommodated many celebrations.”
The two cottages or sleepouts’ bedrooms are accompanied by living-dining-kitchenettes, each having a bathroom and decks.
“At various stages we’ve had a cottage tenanted, operated Airbnb and run businesses from home. The world really is your oyster,” Donna says. The couple are moving north for family and business.
Bayleys agent Louise Thomson says: “This is a unique lifestyle property, rich with history, character and versatile accommodation or work-from-home options.”
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