Emerald Hill, a historic home originally built around 1860 for a land-rich farmer, evolved into a striking home in park-like grounds which instantly captivated its current owners.
Businessman Richard says of his partner Juliet, “When we first walked into its foyer after seeing it advertised, she said straight away ‘Can we buy it?’ ”
The couple were so smitten with 9 Emerald Street in Epsom they put in a pre-auction offer, then upped it convincingly to prevent the auction being brought forward.
“People walk up to it, such as couriers, and their jaws just drop. They often say they haven’t seen a more beautiful home,” Richard says.
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The double grammar-zoned property is concealed behind an electronic gated entrance which reveals a driveway and freestanding double garage.
Then the land opens up revealing its 1429sqm proportions cossetting the appealing home evolved from the original kauri homestead for the area. Successive owners have exactingly refurbished it over time, keeping with the original dwelling built by William Gardner, for whom Epsom’s Gardner Road is named.
“I love this property’s sense of history, which gives it added meaning,” Juliet says.
“We suspect this home was called Emerald Hill because it sits slightly elevated on a little hill delivering a lovely view of One Tree Hill and its obelisk,” adds Richard.
The property has 4-5 bedrooms, four bathrooms and two garages. It is three minutes walk from Cornwall Park where their young children love admiring the farm animals. Previous owners did a really substantial renovation-extension about a decade ago. Richard and Juliet feel the finished result blends subtle elements of farmhouse and Cape Cod style with a nod to the ambiance of Huka Lodge in the master suite.
Juliet loves the peacefulness of the large grounds with lawn edged in picturesque hedging, which constantly beckon their children and dog to play. She organised one child’s birthday as a ‘bring a blanket’ picnic affair.
Leadlight windows and the heritage craftmanship of strikingly-shaped beamed ceilings and panelled walls accent the original part of the home, which is announced by a foyer. Living areas abound with a lounge, living room and a sunroom. An open-plan kitchen-dining room opens outdoors as all living areas do.
They’re centred on a LouvreTec-covered long patio connecting to the guest/poolhouse with bathroom, near the swimming pool and spa pool. They’ve used it as a media room and guest wing plus it made a great lockdown work-place for Richard.
The ensuited master suite with walk-in wardrobe is one of four bedrooms in the main home. A study-library, family bathroom, laundry and powder room round out the layout. The home has a radiator-style heating system, two fireplaces and underfloor heating.
This family, who’ve put in high quality NZ wool carpet and some Douglas and Bec lights, are now ready for their next move.
“This is a truly special home in a popular location by Cornwall Park. Families of all ages will feel right at home here,” says Barfoot & Thompson agent Diana West, who is marketing the property.
The property will be sold at auction on May 12.
