A townhouse on New Zealand’s richest street sold for just under $3 million - after the vendor executed a stunning renovation, replacing 1960s nana-decor with contemporary style.
The upgrade of the dated three-bedroom home on Marine Parade, in Auckland's Herne Bay, was overseen by Barfoot & Thompson agent James Doole, who made his name styling homes for Kiwi rich-listers before jumping into a career in high-end real estate.
Doole told OneRoof the property just needed some love. His client, who did not wish to be named, had bought the property in July 2023 for $2 million – $550,000 below its 2021 CV.
“My client saw the potential of the house. The neighbours had both done nice renovations, so this had the same potential to be renovated and upgraded," he told OneRoof when he brought the house to market in November.
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Doole eventually found a buyer, closing a deal in April this year. The sale price of $2.9m was made public last week, but Doole politely declined to talk about the deal or reveal who the buyer was when approached by OneRoof this week.
When OneRoof first reported on the house, Doole outlined what he achieved with the renovation. He re-arranged the upstairs living floor to create a single 10m long living and kitchen space with views to front and back, rearranged the upstairs bathroom and bedrooms to create a luxury master suite and walk-in wardrobe, and restored the front facade by removing an old sunroom.
He created a third bedroom downstairs and had the private back garden landscaped.
Doole and his client added travertine stone, European Bosch appliances and luxury custom features.
Doole’s renovations have made headlines before. Two years ago his former home on Victoria Avenue, Remuera, sold for $6.64m, and in 2016 a mansion he transformed for rich-lister Diane Foreman sold for $9.1m
James Doole's Marine Parade Renovation: Before and After
Before: The 1960s townhouse living spaces needed updating. Photo / Supplied
After: The refreshed living room feels vibrant and inviting. Photo / Supplied
Before: The original kitchen was small and lacked flow. Photo / Supplied
After: The kitchen has been opened up and smart lighting has given it bright finish. Photo / Supplied
Before: The balcony space showed its age. Photo / Supplied
After: The vendor has made the balcony a space for entertaining and relaxation. Photo / Supplied
Before: The bathroom felt tired and dated. Photo / Supplied
After: The bathroom is now a standout space. Photo / Suppled
Before: One of the two bedrooms the property had when it sold in July. Photo / Supplied
After: The main bedroom in the refreshed property now advertised as having three bedrooms. Photo / Supplied
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