Take a tour through the grand Auckland home of Sido Kitchin, editor-in-chief of Woman’s Day and New Zealand Woman’s Weekly
This Auckland villa is the perfect union of heritage features and modern style
Just over a decade ago, Sido Kitchin left the Seven Network in Melbourne where she had been publicity manager to take the reins at New Zealand Woman’s Weekly, moving back to Auckland with her husband Conrad Armstrong and their daughter Cleo, now 14. But like all best laid plans, it wasn’t the neat transition they’d hoped for.
After an unfruitful house hunt and stint in France Kitchin spied an advert on Trade Me for a villa in Western Springs in January 2010. “This lovely woman was living there with her two kids and I could tell they had been very happy there,” says Kitchin.
The couple knew they would eventually open up the house to take advantage of those jaw-dropping views, but they decided to live in it for a few years first. So by the time Armstong’s father, architect David Armstrong, drew up the plans for the renovation, their vision was clear: they wanted to retain the villa front with its original matai floors and the high stud ceilings then add an open-plan dining room, living room and kitchen area, a wrap-around verandah and a second level downstairs – without it looking like they’d tacked a modern annex onto an old villa.
[gallery_link num_photos=”1″ media=”https://www.yourhomeandgarden.co.nz//wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2017/04/img6-20.jpg” link=”/inside-homes/home-features/sido-kitchins-grand-auckland-villa” title=”Discover the full story here”]
Words by: Nadine Rubin Nathan. Photography by: Duncan Innes/proof agency.
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The matai floorboards were sourced from Hawke’s Bay. The portrait above is of Kitchin’s great-grandmother.
Expansive views and a cool Cape Cod vibe are the hallmarks of the modernised Auckland villa.
Darcy sits at the 1800s French table from The Vitrine. The pastel-hued dining chairs from Muuto by Mika Tolvanen are from Nest and are available in Auckland at Bauhaus.
Sido Kitchin, editor-in-chief of Woman’s Day and New Zealand Woman’s Weekly, stands at the kitchen island, which is topped with magnificent Roman grey marble from Design Source.
Darcy, Cleo, Sido and Conrad relax on the deck.
The Acapulco chairs, handcrafted in Mexico, are from Mamasita.
A painting by Heather Straka in the hallway.
The custom-made bookshelf by Julian Ward is home to Armstrong’s turntables and record collection. The clear side table is from Forma.
Kitchin inherited the double love seat from her grandmother. The weaving was created by Armstrong’s sister after the couple’s wedding. Each guest chose a piece of flax, which was then woven into the final piece. The wall is painted in Resene Korma.
Kumar-Ward had the vanity custom-made to bring an old-world feel to the bathroom.
Royal themed knick-knacks sit above the sink and adorn the walls throughout the home.
A blackboard of the Queen in silhouette and a magnetic dartboard are playful features in the rumpus room.
Kitchin grew up obsessed with Princess Diana and often thinks she went into magazines to honour her memory.
Cleo chose Calaveras in turquoise by Alexander Henry from Bolt of Cloth for her blind. The Mexican headboard is one of two Kitchin found in Wellington.
Kowhai and Fern, a photographic print by Emma Bass.
In the main bedroom, Kitchin selected James Dunlop Hampton Court curtains. A friend of Kitchin’s made the crochet blanket to match the curtains.
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