Back in the 1970s, the current owners believe, an Auckland timber merchant had a large export order to the USA cancelled, so he engaged a young architect, Bruce Cavell (now living and working in the United Kingdom) to come up with a home that would take full advantage of the various native woods, which included rimu, tawa and matai.
It was to be constructed on a secluded 966sqm section, in a quiet enclave in St Heliers with wonderful views looking out across the leafy suburb, below, towards the harbour and Rangitoto.
“We understand that Cavell only designed a handful of residential homes and having visited one in Crocus Place, Remuera and really liked it, we were thrilled when this one came up about nine years ago, and quickly bought it,” says the owner of 16 Pamela Place in St Heliers.
He and his wife had roofing ridges on the concrete block and cedar home re-pointed and the exterior was completely repainted.
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The home is a stunning display of various native wood including rim, tawa and matai used to maximum visual effect. Photo / Supplied
Some tired joinery was replaced, plus they also installed a deck. Inside, some walls were moved, and the layout tweaked to make it a true four-bedroom property.
Set over two levels it has an expansive kitchen, dining and living zone on the ground floor in addition to a double garage (there’s also off-street parking for more than six vehicles), a mini gym and masses of storage space.
The kitchen is new and was carefully designed to fit with the home’s distinctive mid-century vibe. Cooks enjoy the luxury of an adjacent combined scullery and laundry.
The secluded 966sqm section of 16 Pamela Place is in a quiet enclave in St Heliers with four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Photo / Supplied
From the house, you can look out across the leafy suburb, below, towards the harbour and Rangitoto. Photo / Supplied
A separate, formal lounge extends the area available for entertaining as do a patio and expansive decking offering many sunny spaces to rest and relax or dine al fresco.
On the second floor are four bedrooms including a giant master suite with a huge wardrobe, bathroom and a lounge – or generous home office. Bedroom four includes a balcony, to further enhance its views.
The owner says that towering pohutakawa entice an array of native birds to the garden and their song fills the air.
“I think one of the things we love most is that this is a true sanctuary and when you arrive home, driving along your own private driveway you emerge in a sanctuary and leave the rest of the world behind.”
A separate, formal lounge extends the area available for entertaining at 16 Pamela Place. Photo / Supplied
The owner says that the home, with its soaring vaulted ceilings is a stunning showcase for the various timbers that were used in its construction, and he notes that all of the wood has stood up perfectly against the march of time.
Heather Walton, from Ray White, who is marketing the property with Linh Yee, says that the property has a medieval meets mid-century feeling about it and while the interior is beautiful, it still has potential for a new owner to put their stamp on it – perhaps with use of colour.
“It would be perfect for a young family as it’s zoned for St Thomas and St Ignatius schools,” she says.
16 Pamela Place in St Heliers, Auckland is to be sold by negotiation pending a set date of sale.
