When fashion designer Bruce Papas built on what was originally a three acre section in Titirangi's Wood Bay, purchased in the early to mid 1950's, his goal was to create a unique residence in the rainforest surroundings. After some five years of planning and a further five years of hard work, his reward was a gracious home in a grove of ferns and Nikau palms, where the rainwater is allowed to follow its natural course through the contours of the bush.
Fast forward to 2020 and the home is on the market for the first time ever and it's time for new owners to grasp the opportunity to renovate and make it their dream home.
The large split-level lounge and dining room with its clever arrangement of clerestorey roof, picture windows and balcony deck were designed to allow in more ambient light whilst affording more open wall space for displaying a gallery-style arrangement of artworks, books and curios.
The light is drawn further inside to the kitchen via a large wall opening from the lounge with a sliding glass partition, enabling the chef to interact with guests in the days before open plan kitchens became commonplace.
And the original kitchen is a delight for lovers of all things retro complete with swinging saloon doors and a space saving pull-out cooktop with eye-level oven.
Two double bedrooms are located down the hallway, along with the combined bathroom and toilet, all decorated in an exceptionally ornamental and theatrical style. A "secret" door takes you from the bathroom to the laundry.
Bush clusters at the back of the house and trails lead to patios and view points. The front is partly in lawn and garden with an ornamental pond and a brickwork path. Rimu trees stand tall and a massive Puriri tree dominates the view. High in the bush on the other side of the winding driveway a specimen Pohutukawa reaches towards the sky. The 2828m2 land the home sits on merges with the adjacent Takahe Reserve, a haven of varied native flora and fauna.
Sunset and sunrise, dawn and dusk bring their own peculiar light qualities. And when all is silent and the trees turn blue as night falls, the stress of the working day disappears, leaving a feeling of restedness.
This estate sale is a special opportunity indeed and one that will appeal to visionaries from all walks of life who are ready to roll up their sleeves and build on the legacy. Located in close proximity to Titirangi Village with its cafes, markets and art gallery and providing easy access to West Auckland's wild and beautiful beaches and the stunning Waitakere Ranges.
