Nicky Tong is a bit of an accidental house shopper. Fourteen years ago she spotted a villa in Auckland's Herne Bay while out walking with a friend, went to the last open home and bought it - when her husband, Simon, was overseas.
Twelve years later, the couple sold that and bought a modern, award-winning home in neighbouring Pt Chev two years ago, as they were keen to try a new way of living.
Now they're ready to sell again and start something new.
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Their house at 19 Wright Road was designed by architect Guy Tarrant as his own residence — and that’s why it’s full of nice surprises.
“We were both drawn to the lovely mid-century style, the fact that it feels like a resort, and the flexibility we would be getting as a family,” says Nicky.
The street frontage, with its cedar weatherboards and bagged brick, is square and minimalist. Tarrant has continued the same theme inside where some walls are brick, much of the joinery is oak and the concrete floor attracts and maintains heat.
The main kitchen/dining/living area, with its soaring ceilings and vast amounts of light, is big yet still feels intimate and welcoming.
Down the hallway is a family room and a bedroom, the first of four. This one doubles as an office.
Two other bedrooms and the family bathroom are reached via a stairway at the front of the house, and the master suite via stairs from the living area.
“It’s created quite nice separation between us and the children,” says Nicky.
The home comes into its own in summer, with all the doors and windows open and a sea breeze drifting about.
“It’s been good having easy access to the beach but, to be honest, our children have mostly preferred the pool.”
Nicky says that all the amenities of Pt Chevalier are nearby. “We’ve decided to move on for the simple reason that this house is practically perfect,” she says. “I’m an interior designer but there’s nothing for me to change here so I need another project.”
Says Caroline Daniel from Kellands: “This home is in a league of its own. “It’s sunny, private and I love the play on light throughout — it’s beautiful even on a grey day.”
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