Coolangatta A Homage the Life and Times of Auckland's Most Admired Residence

Book by Peter Macky, Paul Waite, Sait Akkirman

BOOK DETAILS

Binding: Hardcover with dustjacket

Pages: 244

Publisher : Livadia Publishers Limited

Publication date : June 2010

Author : Peter Macky

Illustrations : Colour & B/W plates, plans, folding plan enclosed

Dimensions: 300mm x 260mm

ISBN : 978-0-473-16002-9

Book Condition: EXCELLENT NEAR NEW

DESCRIPTION

Throughout its 93-year existence, Coolangatta - which stood at 464 Remuera Road from 1913 to 2006 - was unquestionably Auckland's most admired residence. To many, it was known as 'The Lotto House', meaning that if they were lucky enough to win Lotto, they would buy it.

When Coolangatta was destroyed without warning in 2006, lawyer and author Peter Macky became determined to find out exactly how and why such a tragedy could have occurred. Who was responsible? Was it the owners or a purchaser from them? What role did the Auckland City Council play?

Following an exhaustive investigation spanning three years, Macky has not only answered these questions, but he has also unearthed a wealth of information on Auckland's heritage, its Arts and Crafts architects and early architectural history. He has also collated detailed information about the two families who owned Coolangatta and their utterly absorbing histories.

This is ultimately a tragic story - one of naivety, retribution, petty politics and ignorance -

This is a story of colourful personalities - from the appalling (the Reverend Samuel Marsden) to the inspiring (Sir John Logan Campbell) - and, extraordinarily, of how the descendants of two of New Zealand's greatest mercantile families, the Caugheys and the Milnes, came to be on opposing sides of the debate.

Most importantly, however, the book is an appeal for a greater appreciation of our heritage and its protection; and for improvements to Auckland city's contemporary architecture and urban design.