Villa & Bungalow

If you’re a Kiwi through and through, you’ll know our historical and passionate love affair with the original bungalow and villa. The architecture is permanently painted into New Zealand’s suburban and rural landscape.

Californian bungalows, craftsman bungalows, Tudor-style bungalows, Victorian bay villas, Edwardian villas, transitional villas; numerous styles and their evolution have some minds lost on which are which. Then throw in a renovation or extension, and lines can blur to a haze. So, what separates one from the other?

Let’s characterise the nuances of two styles commonly spotted on our streets.

Victorian Villa

·       Built between 1860s to 1901 in NZ

·       Steep sloped roof

·       Highly detailed exterior

·       Front veranda

·       Decorative lacework and fretwork

·       High ceilings

·       Ceiling mouldings

·       Wide central hallway

·       Small windows

·       Built often of native timber

Original Californian Bungalow

·       Built between World War I to circa 1930s

·       Low-pitched roof

·       Lower and coffered ceilings

·       Narrow hallway

·       Simple exterior façade

·       Mix of native and standard timber

·       Porch or veranda

·       Typically single story

·       Windows a little larger

·       Became popular after World War I

The Circle

“in winter, you’ll see the sun rising to the left of Rangitoto Island, and in summer it rises on the right,” [to say nothing of the full moon’s beauty as it looms up from the harbour putting the infinite sea of streetlamps to shame.] “And on a clear day, you can see as far as Great Barrier Island and every headland point in-between." 

- Gael Black [Former Owner of Apartment Three – The Circle]

Like a vigilant watchtower, The Circle has stood 12 floors high over Milford since 1968. Envisioned by four renowned architects and now home to 12 proud owner-occupants, for decades this landmark building has been the subject of admiration, not only for its desirable coastal position or 360-degree panorama views, but for its claim to the history books as the site of C.F. Goldie’s family’s summerhouse: also once known as Maratea.

Before The Circle’s time, and before nearby Lake Pupuke was a body of water for keen kayakers and police training dives, Goldie’s studio stood here on the family estate. His father, former New Zealand Politician David Goldie, purpose-built it as a space for Goldie to practise his craft and is inevitably where a few of his subjects – Māori chiefs and leaders – once sat while he created his national works of art.

Today, the level three apartment owners, Gael and Russell Black, have well appreciated the position and lifestyle 90 Kitchener has afforded them. Only moments to Milford’s waterfront haven and the thriving village of cafes, retailers, and services, the setting is made all the better with its array of reserves, coastal walks, as well as nearby Takapuna’s main strip of restaurants and bars.

Recalling the special times over a 13-year tenure, Gael shares moments of gratitude for the elevated position, “in winter, you’ll see the sun rising to the left of Rangitoto Island, and in summer it rises on the right,” [to say nothing of the full moon’s beauty as it looms up from the harbour putting the infinite sea of streetlamps to shame.] “And on a clear day, you can see as far as Great Barrier Island and every headland point in-between.” 

The floorplan and vistas make a complete loop of the building, with deeply beautiful views spanning from the Waitemata Harbour to Lake Pupuke and onward to Auckland City, then over the North Shore’s inland suburbs tracking back to Milford and its coastline.

In 2011, the Black’s had their three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment beautifully renovated. It was taken back to a concrete floor, concrete ceiling and nine concrete columns. Modernised and entailing careful selection of quality materials and fittings, including underfloor heating in the bathrooms and the gourmet kitchen - the interior spaces still create a place of calm and comfort from which to enjoy the all-inclusive views.

Circling from the combined living and dining area, each bedroom captures a unique birds-eye view, including the master, which enjoys the luxury of a walk-in wardrobe and elegant ensuite.

The apartment is accessed by either the internal lift or winding staircase and is assigned a lock-up garage and storeroom. With plenty of guest parking on site, there is also a heated pool for resident’s which is privately tucked away on the immaculate grounds. 

Still standing proud on the grounds, the telling Norfolk Pine dates back some 122 years; once a twin, it now stands alone due to a single lightning strike blighting its brother in 1969. A memorial of flowers now remains in its place as a reminder of the lost Norfolk twin and its story.

As the Black’s seek to enjoy their Raglan residence permanently, 3/90 Kitchener Road at The Circle has been sold to another family of whom will in no doubt relish their new lot in life.

– Nicole Toni

An Oriental Garden Disguising a Beautiful Truth

“Mankind needs to live in a beautiful environment, because it conforms to what man naturally is: Beautiful." 

- Tom Johnson [Auckland- Horticulturalist]

Nothing stirs the soul and stimulates the mind quite like a beautiful garden. I admit it, I'm an old soul. I love Earl Grey tea, classical music and getting my hands muddied in the garden. For as long as I can remember I have loved the great outdoors; whether I'm surrounded by an enchanting garden, wonderous landscapes or wild terrain, I love it all. Never questioning the ‘why’ of my adoration until now, it was while listening to this kind horticulturalist that it began to make sense: we, as mankind are made to live in beautiful environments. Tom and Ann's tended garden is undeniably beautiful and indeed a garden that conforms to who they are: beautiful and wonderful souls. 

Hearing about this local and private Japanese inspired garden (created by a retired nurseryman) had me prying. Who were these neighbours of mine and what botanical secrets were hiding on their grounds? After the first moment of contact with Tom, making an appointment to visit the garden, my thoughts tricked me into believing that I would be an uninvited nuisance snooping through this quiet couple’s private residence and life. But that's the thing with Tom and Ann, it's not just a private garden, it is the fruition of a lifetime spent uniting people with beautiful surroundings. Suffice to say I was greeted with the warmest of welcomes.

Tom and Ann have spent the best part of their lives in horticulture; it's no wonder their garden is worthy of being front and centre on a house and garden magazine. 

Stepping out of their sitting room to the pergola, I was in awe of the blaze of colour and the diversity of plants and trees — everything alive and flourishing brazenly. Being led by the swerving pebbled paths we walked through the garden taking in the variety of flora. I couldn't take two steps before noticing a plant that I hadn’t known existed. I would no sooner point it out when either Tom or Ann would enlighten me. 

The built-in water feature was a clever execution of subtlety and detail, setting a comforting tone in the subconscious. It quietly flowed downward to a small pond where a native frog once took up residence and the occasional dragonfly darted about. Typically, in a Japanese garden water symbolises an ocean or lake and provides extra sensory interest; here it streamed prettily amongst the reeds, flowers and carefully placed river stones. We made our way over the red oriental bridge (a colour important in Japanese culture as it represents wisdom, transformation and all that is sacred) towards the outer boundary of the property, where a charming secluded garden shelter built of bamboo provided a quiet space to rest and appreciate the sights of the neighbouring park and waterway.

Tom educated me on what it takes to create a Japanese garden; it’s a combination of three main elements: plants, form and space. This was something that Tom and Ann easily connected with and was the inspiration behind their design. Strictly speaking, theirs is a “Kiwi formed" Japanese garden.

This garden, only two years old, seemed rather like a rediscovery of something ancient. Each plant often had a story, whether it was a rare flower no longer available on the market or a plant that was brought with them from a previous residence or nursery. It was, no doubt, nature's own art exhibition – beautiful and diverse. What made this small space so unique was how species that would never see each other in the wild seemed to cohabit seamlessly. I noted Bromeliads, Roses, Japanese Maples, New Zealand Ferns, Scottish Moss, New Zealand Alpine Moss, Irish Moss, South African Rushes, Old Fashioned Gerberas, Daphne, Dwarf Pines, Norwegian Spruce, Day Lilies, Irises, Grasses and Cotoneaster. Assembling these all together in a flattering fusion requires wisdom and rich knowledge.

Now, a garden of this calibre and beauty doesn't just happen without a remarkable back-story; Tom and Ann's began in the late 1950s. In 1958 Tom commenced an apprenticeship with Palmers nursery in Glen Eden (this was before Palmers became a chain of garden centres) studying horticulture. Unlike most of the apprentices of his time, Tom was avidly curious and eager to unearth all he could. Learning on the job wasn't enough: "I wanted to learn more, I wanted to know more." Hence, three demanding years into the apprenticeship Tom made an imperative transition to work with Bruce Haggo, an influential horticulturalist of the time who happened to be establishing a nursery of his own. To the surprise of many, they successfully grew Daphne, an extremely challenging plant to propagate, yet Bruce and Tom found ways to do it even though no one else in New Zealand could. Together they grew 10,000 Daphne plants in Te Atatu. Everyone desired this plant in their garden; it had a beautiful perfume and it even demanded a reasonable price. They also grew Azaleas, Wisteria, Chinese gooseberries (Kiwifruit) and hibiscus. 

While Tom was in Te Atatu with Bruce during the week, Ann was an accomplished dressmaker in the midst of a 10-year stint at Flamingo Frocks. It was during this period that the couple took a shine to roses, so come the weekend they spent their time growing and selling these to neighbours. It was a budding beginning with 200 plants. Cuttings were planted in winter, grafting was completed in summer, the following winter they cut off the stock and it wasn't until the subsequent winter that they sold their fairest roses. It was a two-year process that Tom and Ann had down with the perfect rotation. They grew Floribunda, Hybrid Tea and climbing roses, eventually growing 50 varieties with a total of 30,000 planted yearly. Any spare or precious time was always consumed by the roses.

By now both recognised and highly esteemed in the horticultural industry, they coincidently accepted a gardener's role with Sir Douglas Myers at his Remuera estate tasked with establishing a top market garden, no expense spared. Having triumphed in this assignment within a few years, they were then beckoned to re-establish a defunct nursery in Whenuapai, thereby finding their way back into the business of cultivating and vending. They eventually invested in the business, and their trees, shrubs and perennials were sold to local gardeners and landscapers spanning the country; it was eighteen successful years before they decided the time had come to slip into retirement. 

I agree with Tom's belief in humanity being drawn to beautiful things and our need for beautiful environments. I also agree that we are created beautiful and that we are instinctively attracted to beauty, and that it is in the natural environment around us is why we effortlessly connect with it. Blossoming flowers, pristine plants and lofty trees are our most reoccurring objects of natural beauty: visually dazzling, conjuring emotion, deep thoughts and linking us with what I now believe (thanks to Tom and Ann) to be the most basic of all our human needs, a beautiful natural environment.

Nicole Toni

“Blossoming flowers, pristine plants and lofty trees are our most reoccurring objects of natural beauty: visually dazzling, conjuring emotion, deep thoughts and linking us with what I now believe (thanks to Tom and Ann) to be the most basic of all our human needs, a beautiful natural environment.”

— Nicole Toni

The Sunderland Hangar – a series of harmonious contradictions

“Everywhere you look, you see contrasts that in theory like oil and water shouldn’t mix, but here they co-exist harmoniously.”

Now occupied by Little Creatures Hobsonville on the ground floor, the old Sunderland Hangar would likely be unrecognisable by the Royal New Zealand Air Force workers of the past. To me, the Sunderland Hangar at Catalina Bay is the most fascinating, intriguing and palatable place. Not just because of Little Creatures Hobsonville’s genius fit-out design, by Ignite architects and not because of what it offers me on a platter, but because it is, in a sense an incredible contradiction. A series of contradictions. Everywhere you look, you see contrasts that in theory like oil and water shouldn't mix, but here they co-exist harmoniously.

I could clearly see the history respected and the future embraced. Through the week, the Sunderland Hangar entertains older generations and adolescent, the business-minded and family focused. There's work designated precincts above and entertainment-focused precincts below, intimacy and exposure, Australian roots with New Zealand culture. How can all these opposites attract and exist in a balanced method? Maybe its a secret of theirs!

If you love a sensory overload then this is where you can get your fix! Music rings across the establishment, setting the mood and vibe of all the patrons. And the aroma, thick enough to tease the taste buds or torment your hunger, nonetheless its in the tasting that you are unquestionably satisfied. Smoky infused wood-fired pizzas, fish and chips much superior to what the local chippy offers. The hoppy pale ale brew (from the micro-brewery situated at the back of the venue) brings the food mentioned together in an agreeable fashion. Balanced to perfection, all delivered before you by the esteemed wait people. I find it amusing in some ways watching the waitpersons busily carrying, serving delectable dishes from the kitchen to table, in a constant fuss and flurry. They add to the action and experience, for those of you who are people watchers I think you would understand this quirky observation.

You don't need to be educated in all things beer to engage in the brewery experience. An appreciation for the skill, process, and taste comes directly from the enthusiasts behind the bar. Centred smack bang in the middle and on ground level at Little Creatures Hobsonville; is where learning comes in to play. It's not a drinking session; it's an education session. An opportunity offered to learn about the craft brewing process and history of Little Creatures Hobsonville and their West Australian roots. Little Creatures Hobsonville infuse their passion for hops and brewing with hospitality and empathy for those uneducated in a decent pale ale, like myself. Taking in the sights, sounds, and savouring a moment with a craft beer, couple that with the knowledge and the chronicle of it all makes for a memorable occasion that will create a deep impression.

The reverence for the history is unmistakable even down to the most delicate details. In design, the spirit remains the same. Décor reflects the time of both yesteryear and today and what seems to be irrelevant to our modern-day style is very relevant to the Sunderland Hangar. 1930-40's impressions are spotted through-out. From antique furniture, art deco styled side tables, industrial lamps and seating, and upcycled trunks standing in place for a table to rest your piccolo on from Kittyhawk. The exposed beams, original industrial roller doors running parallel to the newly engineered bi-folding motor-driven 8.9m high glass door, all marvellous and unique. It's all Interwoven meticulously to create a space that pauses you temporarily. You dwell in the past, just for a moment, until the interruption of a welcoming beverage and smile from a vibrant waitperson.

An intimate space offered by Kittyhawk is reminiscent of an officer's mess in the wartime. A place enclosed for special meetings, food, and closeness. A stark contrast to the purpose of the outer court where the space and vastness of the 1500sqm site shrouds you. This character-filled area is a favourite of mine, that feeling of closeness and seclusion with a friend or family member is effortlessly attained here.

A play area that compliments the vision and past is a welcomed retreat for the kids itching to move and touch all they can. This is a space where a child can let their imagination take flight. A playboat sits in the corner and comes to life with the ingenuity of a little nipper. Whether the youngster is at sea or not this play area has warranted its purpose, a space for interaction, exploration, and a respite for the weary parent needing a strong coffee to refuel.

“Whether it’s an old-timer recalling his old work post in the Sunderland Hangar, or a busy modern-day patron drinking in the environment, they’re different people from different walks of life, with one thing in common, the reinvented Hangar.”

One thing that remains untouched and likely to stay the same as it was 80 years ago is the Moana, the Upper Waitemata Harbor — flowing in and out at its designated times. Connecting our tourist-filled Tāmaki Makaurau with the historical and community focused Catalina Bay. Ferry's carrying the city slickers to the embracing arms of the Sunderland Hangar and towing the locals towards the daily grind in the CBD is again another example of how opposites attract. Whether it's an old-timer recalling his old work post, or a busy modern-day patron drinking in the environment, they're different people from different walks of life, with one thing in common, the reinvented Sunderland Hangar.

Outside the towering walls of the venue, on a calm Sunday morning, there I saw an older man facing the water with his pipe hanging perilously off his bottom lip. Possibly mid 70's he was. What made my curiosity spike was his lonesome presence on the dock. He was alone, with his pipe and thoughts. I eyed my husband with a smile, gestured towards the man and said: "he looks as though he has a few stories. I’d love to talk to him." So Dave strolled up casually, and I followed sheepishly with the pram. He wore a cheese cutter hat, and an old woollen jumper that looked as though it had seen a few too many winters. While stuffing his precarious pipe with tobacco, Dave opened a conversation with the topic of weather. It was a beautiful bright winter morning.

The older man was only too happy to talk to attentive strangers. He was in Auckland for the weekend to enjoy some R&R with his family; he had travelled from Rotorua. After a minute or two of chitchatting, we landed on gold! his father once worked right where we were standing together, at Catalina bay. Working for the RNZAF in World War II and servicing the planes was his father's vocation in the wartime era. Scanning and pointing across the dock with his weathered hands, he proudly shared about seeing Catalinas and Sunderlands scattered across the pier and on the water. He was only four years old at the time, but the image of his father, the water, and the seaplanes was ever entrenched in his memory. There we were, together, Millennials and a generation that's almost passed, together — sharing a space, memories, and thoughts of Catalina Bay and The Sunderland Hangar. Two opposite generations, enjoying each other's company, while sharing old tales and new expectations, and loving the moment with one another, even though it brief.

If the Sunderland Hangar walls could speak, I wonder what they would have to say. The things it has seen through its existence. Every occupier through history with a different purpose for its structure; flight, war service, community hub, a brewing sanctuary even. One thing is for sure; The Sunderland Hangar can stand in pride, knowing that it has functioned to the highest of standards for each inhabitant.

It's clear that when opposites attract anything is possible. The preserved historical Sunderalnd Hangar is undoubtedly a series of contradictions that harmoniously agree with each other, through sea and sky, young and old, business and pleasure, as well as a gone by era and the future ahead.

Go for yourself and experience it first hand, soak in the environment, culture and history!

https://littlecreatures.co.nz/locations/hobsonville/

NICOLETONI