Developer and builder Cameron Ireland has a reputation for producing homes that seamlessly combine cutting-edge design elements with clever use of space and light. And that’s what management consultant Esther Samuel noticed straight away when she first laid eyes on the sensational timber and tile home at 37 Dryden Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland, four years ago.
“I’d always lived in the Parnell and Remuera areas, but I was feeling adventurous and decided to look around Herne Bay and St Mary's Bay. When I heard about this house I wasn’t sure if it was quite where I wanted to be, but as it turned out, I didn’t need convincing. In fact, I was sold at first sight,” she says.
From the street, it’s easy to see that this is no ordinary house. A cantilevered floor sits neatly above the ground level, with its double garage and striking entrance reached via stepping stones, neatly set within the lawn.
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Inside, heated concrete floors introduce a semi-industrial vibe and the TV living room lies to the left with a glass wall separating it off.
The ceilings are soaring and vast windows meld inside and out seamlessly. And the central staircase is an architectural wonder to behold.
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No expense has been spared in the kitchen, with its marble benchtops and fully equipped scullery. Many of the appliances are integrated in order to achieve a streamlined effect, and keen cooks and entertainers will be delighted to see high-quality Gaggenau and Bosch appliances, a wine fridge, built-in coffee maker and more than ample storage space.
The kitchen segues into the family room, which in turn looks over the pool and the lush well-established garden with its palms, bromeliads and bright red coleus adding a spark of colour.
There are huge decked areas for relaxing and cooking up a storm on the barbecue and the section is private and secure.
Back inside, the four bedrooms — or three, using one as an office — are all on the second floor, which has smart charcoal-coloured carpet throughout.
The master suite enjoys city views and Esther says that she likes to lie in bed and watch fireworks above the Sky Tower.
The master bathroom is predictably high on style and glamour with Italian slate tiles, and the walk-in wardrobe is unusually large.
“It’s an absolute dream for somebody who likes shoes as much as I do,” says Esther.
The main bathroom echoes the en suite but also has a bath and the three further bedrooms on this floor all have pleasant neighbourhood vistas.
There’s a little open-plan office space in the middle of the top floor and all the windows up here are double-glazed so it’s peaceful and quiet.
“Not that this is a busy, noisy street, anyway.”
Esther has thoroughly enjoyed living here for the past four years.
“Everything is such high quality, and the house practically heats itself with all the glass to let sunlight in.”
She also appreciates its proximity to the CBD, where she has an office, and to Ponsonby with its shops and eateries.
“I’m really selling now, simply because it feels like to right time to do it,” she says.
“This is a huge place for one person and I think it needs a family — there are good schools nearby and lots of nice parks — besides which I’m planning to do much more travelling.”
37 DRYDEN ST, GREY LYNN, AUCKLAND
