HERITAGE: Contemporary colonial grandeur built on land that has been in the family for a century.

RESIDENTIAL compounds are usually associated with the rich and famous around the world – the Kennedys at Cape Cod, north of New York, come to mind – but one Auckland family has created its own compound on land that has been in the family for more than 100 years.

On gently rolling, north-facing Birkenhead slopes that overlook Rangitoto, Kitty and Bill Hodges have recently completed their 388 square metre home.

It is built in sympathetic colonial style, directly behind the site where a cottage known as Cinderford was constructed by Kitty’s great-grandfather Thomas Horton in 1912. 

Thomas Horton was one of Glenfield’s founding fathers and owned a significant amount of land in the area. Part of the original chimney is now all that identifies the old house, which had to be demolished in 2006.Luckily much was salvaged to ensure the memories of the past are kept alive in the new home, adding further layers to the rich family history.  

While the Hodges had lived south of the harbour bridge for many years, it was their intention to one day own the historic cottage, develop it into an authentic bed-and-breakfast destination, and build on the land at the rear of the property. 

In true compound style, an aunt lived on an adjoining property for many years. When she died in 2002, she left her property plus the cottage and land next door to Kitty and her sisters. Kitty and Bill eventually bought the girls out and their own colonial compound started to take shape.     

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KITTY: Keeping family heritage alive.

In 2004, the extended Hodges family of six shifted into the aunt’s house. Disappointment struck early, however, when they realised the cottage was beyond repair, but rebuilding Cinderford 21st-century style has erased some of that disappointment.      

Much has been used from the original home, including furniture, family heirlooms, antique home wares and native timbers.

Possibly the most precious heirloom – restored at great expense – is the wooden black front door which has Cinderford written in leadlight.

On the ground level there is separate accommodation for one daughter – plus an office, a further guest room, bathroom, plus laundry and double garage.

Upstairs, the kitchen, lounge and master suite enjoy sweeping views. The grandkids’ room is loved by everyone and the large, wide wrap-around verandah provides an extra living space. 

Daughter Amanda talks of building on Cinderford’s original site at some stage. This has the sound of sequel about it: Cinderford III waiting in the wings perhaps?

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Eldest daughter Delwynne lives in the recently renovated aunt’s house with her husband and two children, and they’re not talking of going anywhere.

A tiny cottage has just been completed on land behind Delwynne’s home. This is currently rented to friends and there is talk of one day offering the envisaged B&B accommodation there.

Now the family can finally sit back, relax, and enjoy what they’ve created – a property where a sense of history is a major feature, with family connections running through so strongly they are almost as tangible as the furniture.

But as a concession to her supportive, long-suffering husband, there is aluminium joinery in the bay windows.

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1. In the guest bathroom downstairs, the claw-foot bath was rescued from the original cottage, the lead-light glass door is from an old North Shore homestead and the antique toilet suite from a villa in Devonport.   

2. The dresser in the lounge has quite a past. Years ago Kitty’s grandfather cut it in two, placed a board on top of the lower section to use in his office, and the top section was used in a bedroom. Kitty was determined to join the pieces together one day and the reassembled antique, still with the cut line visible, now makes a great conversation piece.

3. The grandchildren’s room has inspired many people to create something similar in their own homes. The end-on-end bunks leave plenty of play space and the top shelves can be converted to extra beds if required.