A True Grande Dame

Showcasing the craftsmanship of the day, this grande dame of the 1920s offers all the elegance, space and character of its day, along with a significant amount of contemporary and luxurious comfort.

Set on large, landscaped grounds in the heart of Fendalton, with all the benefits that this blue-chip suburb enjoys, this elegant and gracious home has, unsurprisingly, had many admirers over the years.

Spanning some 526 metres of floor space, and offering five bedrooms, four bathrooms, and four living areas, this is a seriously impressive and wellspecified property.

Polished wooden flooring and built-in cabinetry, sparkling chandeliers and antique wooden doors, along with a charming loft room, all add to the significant history of this home.

‘‘The real joy of this home is what has been kept as well as what has been added, from the retention of the original tiled fireplaces and the magnificent timber staircase, to the deep bay windows,’’ says Alison Aitken, who is marketing the property with Mandy Martin.

Inspired interior design complements the home’s origins while adding considerable lightfilled luxury throughout.

A choice of formal and informal living and dining areas makes for easy entertaining and family living, catered for by the designer kitchen finished in granite. Offering huge aesthetic appeal, the kitchen also delivers on the essentials of space, storage, trusted names in appliances and a large gas hob.

The vast veranda, with electronic louvres, provides yearround shelter, and the secure and sheltered grounds include a swimming pool.

A combination of the property’s north-west aspect, central heating, gas fire and doubleglazing keeps you comfortable year round and the guest cottage offers the option of working from home, accommodating guests or extended family, or as a teenage retreat.

Benefits are numerous and include coveted school zones which include Christchurch Boys’ and Girls’ High Schools, proximity to Hagley Park, the Farmers Market, Deans Bush, Mona Vale, and all the retail, services and cafes of Riccarton.

Practicalities include a separate laundry, three-car garaging and additional off-street parking.

For more than 10 years this has been a much-loved home, and the decision to downsize has not been an easy one. Its space, grace and character make it a unique and desirable proposition, proving once again that good design and craftsmanship endures over the generations.

Scheduled for auction next week, this is not one to miss.