Photography: Jane Ushher courtesy of NZ House & Garden
I remember not long after moving to New Zealand, I drove through a lovely street in Epsom and saw droves of people parking cars and walking towards a grand looking home. Curious to know what was going on, I slowed down and saw a New Zealand House & Garden House Tour sign out the front. Last Friday and a couple of years later, I finally got to experience what all of that fuss was about.
Most of us love to have a peek into beautiful homes and usually the only opportunity we get is during a real estate open home or that of the people we know, so I have to say, the thought of walking through homes that have graced the pages of NZ House & Garden was rather appealing. My friend will be renovating her villa in the coming year so I thought it the perfect opportunity for her to come along and get some ideas. So off we went, set for a day of serious house envy.
There were eleven homes open to ticket holders (all proceeds went to The Cancer Society and Look Good Feel Better charities) however because of our personal time constraints, we only got to see six of them. Each and every one that we saw, were admirable and unique in their decorating style and there wasn’t one that I didn’t walk away from without a little idea for now or future renovations.
Today I’m sharing with you three of the homes that I visited. The first one, with images above and two below is in St Mary’s Bay, Central Auckland and would hands down be my favourite. It’s very much the style of the home and decor that I could see myself in; a perfect harmony of old and new, lovely and light, ideal for entertaining indoor and out, a temperature controlled cellar (I’ve got a French husband!), a studio outside for me to work in, a small sophisticated swimming pool, inner city … Oh really this home ticked almost every box on my very long list.
Photography: Jane Ushher courtesy of NZ House & Garden
Photography: Jane Ushher courtesy of NZ House & Garden
The second home shown here is in Takapuna, on Auckland’s North Shore and is owned by both an antique and art dealer. I could have spent the day perusing all of the incredible contemporary artwork in this home. The upstairs area is a very clever extension of what I believe could be an old cottage. They’ve used a lot of glass panelling for the walls and balustrades to bring light into what would have been a very dark space along, with being a nice juxtaposition of old and new.
Photography: Jane Ushher courtesy of NZ House & Garden
Photography: Jane Ushher courtesy of NZ House & Garden
The last one to be shared here is a very spacious family home in Stanley Point, on Auckland’s North Shore. An elegant entry with a huge kitchen and casual living space that leads out to a massive deck and garden with a little bridge leading to tree house! My kids would be in heaven in that garden! What I really loved the most in this house was the lounge room which funny enough with my fixation for light, is the only room in the house with no direct windows. They made a statement of this by painting it black – a beautiful outcome that set off the high metal pressed ceilings.
Another one of my favourites was an apartment in Devonport overlooking the beach. The owners have created a stylish oasis within a small space and there was a great laid-back feel to it. This one will be in the next issue of NZ House & Garden so I look forward to seeing it again.
Mel x
Photography: Tessa Chrisp courtesy of NZ House & Garden
Photography: Tessa Chrisp courtesy of NZ House & Garden
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I’m so pleased to hear you went along Mel. I was offered a ticket but unfortunately couldn’t make it, so it’s been lovely to hear your point of view and see inside some of the homes. The fist one is stunning! x
wow! those high ceillings and that entrace way are absolutely stunning. Would love to live here please!
I know, quite a gracious way to enter a home. Lovely to have you here Trisha! Mel x
What stunning homes, it’s so much fun having a peek into how other people decorate their homes. I loved them all, great way to spend a day. Xx
Thoroughly enjoyed it Catherine, a lovely day out. M xx
Wow, yes, who doesn’t like looking at homes, especially ones which have been published in magazines.
As a designer I have always designed my own spaces, together with an architect. We have an event here called: Open House… where people open their homes for viewing. Usually they would have been designed by architects and you can meet those and have a chat. I obviously choose the ones that excite me and often get very inspired..
What a fun day out… x
That sounds like a great event! Remind me to come to London when it’s on. M xx