Adventurous Annie I'M STILL CHASING MY DREAMS

The acting legend and intrepid traveller has a new place to call home

- Donna Fleming

Mention the “D word” and Annie Whittle visibly shudders. “My worst nightmare is the thought of having to downsize,” says the veteran actress/singer. “I know some people are suited to downsizing and going into a retirement village once they get to a certain age, but I don’t want to leave my home. It would be heartbreaking.”

It’s easy to see why leaving would be such a wrench for Annie and her husband Ian King. Their home is a gorgeous arts and crafts cottage in the WaitaÌ„kere Ranges, west of Auckland, designed almost 100 years ago by renowned architect William Gummer. Infused with character and stuffed full of treasures collected over many years, including Middle Eastern rugs, painted Indian cabinets, original art and many framed photos, it sits in stunning gardens lovingly tended by Annie in the 36 years she’s lived there, and has to-die-for views over the city to the harbour.

“It is such a blessing to live here and I take heart from the fact that the previous owner was 85 when she finally went into care. So I am thinking, ‘I’m 74 now, maybe I’ve got another decade here,’” muses Annie. “But also, my husband is a lot younger – he’s 61 – so hopefully he will look after me in my dotage. I don’t envy him that task!”