The architect who owns this city-fringe villa bought it a decade ago after coming home from working overseas, confident he could elevate it to somewhere worthy of its terrific location.
“The back end had had a basic renovation while the front was in original condition. And the bathrooms hadn’t been touched since the ‘80s.
“But it had good bones, good potential for improvement and was within striking distance of the central city with efficient transport links.
“I wanted to maintain its authenticity while introducing a level of sophistication. There’s been a lot done to bring it back up to scratch and improve its functionality.”
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He was familiar with Mt Eden having flatted in the suburb while at university. Buying in this location has worked on so many levels.
Returning to New Zealand with a three-year-old daughter, it was appealing having sought-after, in-zone Mt Eden Normal Primary School only a few minutes’ walk away. The circa-1890 high stud villa is also zoned for Auckland Grammar, Mt Albert Grammar and Kowhai Intermediate.
“We’re in a quiet street with lots of young families and a prominent New Zealand artist living next door.”
The street has dedicated residents’ parking and he’s never had a problem getting a park. Eden Park and Dominion Road’s eclectic eateries are nearby, with Mt Eden Village and Kingsland within a manageable walk.
The rear of the home is comprised of the svelte and spacious designer kitchen-living-dining which flows out to a west-facing deck.
Walls consistently painted Resene Black White enhance the sense of spaciousness throughout the home, which has ducted central heating.
There’s easy motorway access north and south and Mt Eden Train Station is due to re-open by late this year with the City Rail Link’s completion.
There are hints of the owner’s meticulous nature from the street. A crisply-painted picked fence prefaces the front hedge he’s nurtured into tidy maturity over eight years and lush but structured front landscaping.
“People often comment that from the front this looks like a regular bay villa but when you get inside it keeps going and going.”
Walls consistently painted Resene Black White enhance the sense of spaciousness throughout the home, which has ducted central heating.
The exception is a bedroom painted in Resene Black Friar, which has sometimes been used as a TV room. Across the hallway are the ensuited master bedroom and the main bathroom. The architect spared no expense in re-inventing these two bathrooms, including choosing French heated towel rails.
“My choices were about quality and longevity, plus the joy of having something beautiful.”
The homeowner likes sitting in the rear expanse, with three sets of French doors and the windows opening, listening to birds in the trees.
Ray White agent Mike Robson says: “This city-fringe villa has been refreshed with an edgy, urban vibe.”
The rear of the home is comprised of the svelte and spacious designer kitchen-living-dining which flows out to a west-facing deck.
“It’s a great house for entertaining.” He particularly likes sitting in this rear expanse, with three sets of French doors and the windows opening, listening to birds in the trees.
He’ll often barbecue on the rear deck, which steps down to a lawn with tall vegetation on three sides. This makes it feel very green and exceptionally private.
The owner is selling wanting to do another project.
Ray White agent Mike Robson says: “This city-fringe villa has been refreshed with an edgy, urban vibe. It’s positioned in a convenient pocket of Mt Eden and surrounded by a vibrant community with excellent schooling.
“This is a great place to live being close to Eden Park, cafes and restaurants in Mt Eden Village, with great walks up and around Mt Eden plus close to the CBD.”
- 1 Leamington Road in Mount Eden, Auckland, is for sale by auction on February 12
