A decade ago Katharine and Mike were hurtling through major milestones at a fairly breakneck speed, which led them to this beloved property.
They’d just got married, got pregnant almost immediately and come to the sad realisation that their little two-bedroom worker’s cottage in Grey Lynn was a squeeze for family life.
Katharine says: “Because we were used to living somewhere pretty central we really didn’t want to move out too far. I wasn’t particularly devoted to character homes – but then we saw this beautiful transitional villa and I just fell in love with it.”
A developer had bought a large city-fringe section at number 19, subdivided off this front original villa as 19A and built a new home behind. What’s more, she’d just meticulously renovated 19A throughout in 2014, whilst respecting its character.
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Katharine says: “She did a really beautiful job. Apparently she was so intent on everything being perfect her builder said, ‘we’re never doing a villa again’.
“We’ve found the location so convenient that it’s been like that concept of a 15-minute city where everything you need is within 15 minutes. Miles was eight months old when we moved in and with Mike’s commute being only about 10 minutes long for the last decade, we’ve had lots of family time.”
The freehold property sits behind low automatic gates, instantly appealing with its reoccurring leadlights and deep corner entry porch awash with detail.
The friendly street houses lots of families with local children often playing together. The front yard has manicured planting and room to park a couple of cars off-street, near the single semi-enclosed carport bolstered by under-house storage.
The transitional villa has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a carport for one vehicle and off-street parking. Photo / Supplied
The developer who subdivided and later renovated number 19A maintained its original features and appeal. Photo / Supplied
Original rimu flooring, panelled walls and the soaring stud height are apparent in the hallway. The latter suits 190cm tall (six foot three) Mike.
Katharine says: “That stud height makes everything feel so spacious. The house is light and bright, with a lovely feeling as soon as you walk in.”
The developer was able to add an ensuite to the master bedroom on the right, opposite two more bedrooms.
Young Miles scored the big left-hand front bedroom with achingly gorgeous ornate domed plaster ceiling and bay window, in which they’ve wallpapered one wall in a botanical print.
Their biggest upgrade has been installing double-glazing throughout.
There’s a family bathroom with bath off the rear open-plan area, which is comprised of three distinct zones. An attractive living room for relaxing or entertaining connects with the sunny and contemporary rear kitchen-dining area.
Original rimu flooring, panelled walls and the soaring stud height are apparent throughout the home. Photo / Supplied
Ray White agent Robyn Ellson says: “If you love transitional villas, beautiful leadlight windows, very high ceilings and ornate features reinvented for modern living this is your house.” Photo / Supplied
A second living zone alongside also faces north, currently set up for lounging but previously used as Miles’ play area.
Bifold doors open to steps to a sun-drenched entertaining deck where they had a spa pool for a spell, alongside easy-care back lawn and palm trees. When the wind was right they’ve loved listening to Eden Park concerts such as Ed Sheeran and Cold Play.
Cafes and train stations at Morningside and Kingsland and watching cricket at Eden Park are very handy, with the delights of the Mt Albert Library and St Lukes about 1.5km away. School zoning includes Mt Albert School, Kowhai Intermediate, Mt Albert Grammar and Auckland Girls’ Grammar.
The household has moved to be near Katharine’s parents in Tauranga with Mike still working for an Auckland company and commuting twice a week.
Ray White agent Robyn Ellson says: “If you love transitional villas, beautiful leadlight windows, very high ceilings and ornate features reinvented for modern living this is your house.”
- 19A Shaw Street in Sandringham, Auckland, goes to auction on April 2