Chris and Clare O'Reilly enjoy living in their Basil Hooper-designed home. Photos by Gerard O'Brien/Supplied. : Hooper houses still impress

Basil Bramston. : Hooper houses still impress

The Rosebery St house in the early 20th century when it was owned by Thomas Drumm, a clerk with the railways department, and his wife, Catherine. Three of the Drumms' six children, Shona, Joan and Hine, are pictured in front of the house. : Hooper houses still impress

Another house in the Windle settlement. : Hooper houses still impress

A bay window overlooks the front garden. : Hooper houses still impress

A living area and deck were added on to the kitchen at the back of the house in the 1990s. : Hooper houses still impress

The compact bathroom had an external door, later replaced by a window. : Hooper houses still impress

In the main bedroom, a wardrobe (at right) has been built into what was the fireplace. : Hooper houses still impress

The former dining room has a rimu ceiling. ''Hooper was not inclined to fake anything,'' Michael Findlay says, ''so it would just have been varnished and that would have been the finish.'' : Hooper houses still impress

Casement windows ensure the entrance is well lit. : Hooper houses still impress