A MODERN RESIDENCE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9579, 28 August 1909, Page 6

A MODERN RESIDENCE.

IN AN IDEAL LOCALITY.

Situated in an ideal and sunny spot in one of the prettiest parts of Lansdowne there has jus! been erected fur Mr W. H. Cruick3hank a handsome residence, which from points of architecture, convenience and pleasing appearance is certainly'not excelled, if approached, in this district. The style ot architecture is Old English, arid an imposing edifice has been reared up which contains many spacious, well ventilated and splendidly lighted rooms, and in which every inch of space has been us-ed for some practical purpose-. The residence stands practically in the centre of two acres of land with a background of pretty shelter trees and bordered' all round by flowering shrubs. The grounds, are to be laid out in an elaborate manner, reminiscent of an English home, and when completed it might well be said that a little bit of England has been transplanted to Lansdowne. Passing in at the main entrance one stands in a spacious hall, to the left of which is a commodious billiardroom, cut olf from a living room by folding doors. When required the two rooms can be converted into out giving a flpor space of 41 x 20. Fire places with the chimney breasts finished in red brick are conveniently situated in both rooms. A spacious dining-room and a spa cially designed nurserv are to tha right of the main entrance, The kitchen, is roomy and fitted with every modern convenience, the pantry has all the necessary cupboards, bins and hotwater service, whilst the china pantry has an effective arrangement of dust-proof dressers with sliding doors. The arrangement of the whole of the ground floor is as convenient as could possibly be-de-sired, and not a detail that makes for comfort has been overlooked. The top floor is given to badrooms, private sitting rooms, bathrooms, and rooms for the house staff. The architect has faithfully and diligently applied himself to the problem of arranging these rooms to the very best advantage, and success in the highest degree has been achieved. Spacious well-ightea, and rnagnifi cently finished, in which everything harmonises, they are masterpieces of the architects' science. Dressing rooms, bathrooms, and linen presses, are provided whilst the rooms set apart for the house stafF are decidedly comfortable and well appointed. The external walls of the first floor are finished in rough caste, and from that up in rustic, with ornamental strappings. The main roof is covered with Calmont's asbestos elates, as well a s the verandahs and portico. The yards are concreted, the washhouse is filled up with tubs, hot and cold water, ironing stove, and is specially ventilated. An effective scheme of drainage on the septic tank principle has been laid down, and provision made for a high-pres-sure service to be connected with

the Lansdowne water supply when available. The architect for the work was Mr H. A. Jones, of Masterton, and the building is a credit to him. It is sufficient to say that both Mr and Mrs Cruickshank have expressed the keenest appreciation of the resultH achieved, a home in which every modern idea has been incorporated in its construction. <jlf the success of contractors and builders may be determined by the buildings which they have erected, Messrs Taylor ard Hodge, the contractors for this work are entitled to a place high up on the list of successful firms. This building is a lasting monument to their skill, and the efficiency of their staff. The plumbing work was undertaken, by Messrs Pickering Bros..and the painting and paperhanging by Mr W. H. Cole, who has done his work in a manner that has left nothing to be desired. The residence is one of which Mr Cruickshank might well be proud of, and is a tribute to his enterprise and thoroughness. It is a conspicuous residence in a conspicuous locality, and will doubtless be the forerunner of many similar homes in Masterton's most favoured suburb.