How a historic gem caught up with the times
September 14th, 2015
When I met the passionate owner of this historic home in Parnell last year, the untapped potential of the back garden was obvious. Many key ingredients were already features of the site – great aspect, privacy, a character home, and beautiful native and heritage fruit trees.
The Rangitoto basalt house was built by stonemason Benjamin Strange in the late 1850’s. The upper floor was added in the 1920’s by the Thomson family, of which the current occupant is a third generation descendant. The brief was to design a new layout for the garden including a swimming pool, specify materials for the hard landscaping, and select a plant palette that fitted with the existing natives.
Visiting the property to carry out garden maintenance this morning, I was absolutely delighted at the transformation. The plantings have had a few months to settle in, and although it was a misty morning, there was more than a hint of lazy days by the pool, and fabulous gatherings on the new terrace.
This historical gem has lost none of it’s originality yet sits comfortably in new surroundings of sleek modern glass, honed Pastelli pavers, totara garden edging, and minimalist yet lush planting.