Perched on Mount Street with sweeping views over the Maitai Valley, Candy Clarke’s and her husband Ben Wouts’ character-filled villa is a celebration of history, creativity and lived-in charm. Ten years on, the “accountant and the artist” have layered their home with treasured pieces, global finds and Candy’s own artwork, creating a space that feels both eclectic and deeply personal – where Victorian themes meet a life well-travelled, and every corner tells a story.
Photos: Tessa Claus
Our story
We are on Mount Street. It’s so nice and close to town with fabulous views up the Maitai Valley and over the Cathedral. There’s just two of us now, the accountant and the artist. We have been here for 10 years.
Finding our home was a little unintentional actually! Our friends and now neighbours used to own this house and told us it was coming up for sale. Knowing we liked it they said we should buy it. Not actually looking for a new place we put in an offer, and suddenly it was ours.
Having lived in one of the oldest wooden villas ‘The Retreat’ in the Bay of Islands, built by Henry Williams of treaty translating fame, we have a love of history-filled, character houses. This one was built in the late 1880s, we think. Apparently it’s also had the most owners in the street. We love the patina of time and the grand style of solid wooden villas, the sense of space the high ceilings allow and the huge sash windows that let in the light, the view and the cooling breeze!
In four words
Classic, eclectic, spacious, arty.
Inspiration
It’s just our vibe. We had some Victorian furniture, some mid-century, some ethnic Indian, African and Papua New Guinean pieces… styles and things we’ve collected from travelling the world, and of course a lot of the paintings and sculptures are mine.
We recently renovated the kitchen and tried to keep it in a Victorian style by using tongue and groove in the cabinetry. We kept it all white to tie in with the adjoining dining and living rooms.
Where we shop
A definite favourite for that something unique or special is from Darby & Joan on the Māpua Wharf. We have most recently upgraded our old paper light shades to these gorgeous linen teardrops.
Favourite piece
Well, there’s a few I’d grab if the house was on fire and I had six men to heft. Our old Rajasthani sideboard (heavy as lead), our English pine dining table – I love it – and the Filipina wooden pig that keeps an eye on the kitchen and dining! Couldn’t live without the pig!
Best spot
Probably my studio where I spend much of my time. It’s very small but cosy and sunny. It’s where I can get mucky and makey! It’s where the magic really happens.
Renovations
We’ve done tons. The bathroom was gutted first and updated, still with a Victorian nod. We swapped the claw foot bath for a perfect corner cabinet. We remodelled a washstand and plumbed in the bowl and tap. We repainted inside and outside of the house, renovated the back shed and outside area. We now have a separate laundry and the poshest woodshed, plus a lovely private summer decking area. Lastly a new kitchen configuration with a stone island and white wooden cabinets and a gorgeous stone tile splashback (so worth the splurge).
If money was no object…
We would get double glazing, window seals, an ensuite and a housemaid.
Next on the interiors list
The ceilings in the bedroom and entry hall need attention. We plan on adding decorative linear mouldings which will add architectural interest and cover a multitude of sins… plus new French doors in the living room.
Given a day to refresh…
I would colour-drench the entry hall pink, if only the husband would let me.
Something we’d change
I would like a flat lawn out from the front veranda, with beautiful trees and gardens edging it. And a garage would be great. We have never had a garage.
Best decorating tip
Paint everything white so you can exhibit lots of beautiful artwork, except your entry hall – paint that pink!
Favourite chore
Oddly enough, laundry and ironing. I don’t love it but it’s the sun-dried freshness and instant reward of an ironed business shirt I quite like. However, I loathe vacuuming and have managed to delegate that heinous task to my unlucky co-inhabitant!
The neighbourhood
Mount Street is close to town, lots of neighbours walk or bike past and everyone is really friendly. Most people have lived here for years and everybody knows everyone. We have a street Christmas party every year. There’s a street app too. The kids distribute handmade Valentine’s cards to everyone (I think) every year. There are trick or treaters too. If you happen to be gardening roadside on a weekend you do more chatting than weeding. We all look out for each other. It’s a great place to live.
Favourite eatery
We’re spoilt for choice in Nelson but probably our favourite would be Hawker House. Really lovely staff and delicious plates. And Hopgoods for special occasions.
Best memory in your house
The night we moved in we had some North Island friends coming to stay. They were going on a mountain bike ride and would arrive here with takeaways for dinner. Lovely idea… however… middle of winter, got dark early, got lost on the track, had no lights, took a lot longer to get back! We nearly had search and rescue out for them when they finally turned up a bit worse for wear but with the promised dinner. Much relief and merriment followed. Of course, also our Christmases when we have all the family here are just lovely times too.
