Described by Ray White agents Olivia Field and Ryan Dixon as a “one of one”, this Franklin Road property is set apart from the rest thanks to its inspired layout, seriously stunning renovation and array of fabulous features.
“It also boasts one of the largest residential land-holdings on Franklin Road, at 610m²,” they say.
The owners purchased the property at auction in 2013 on a whim, says co-owner Lauren.
“We didn’t even put our names down to bid, we just went in on the off chance and ended up leaving with a house. I love villas and the first thing I loved about it was the wide hallway and the off-street parking, which was a huge bonus for us,” she says.
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The property boasts space for at least three vehicles to be parked securely off the road, which is a rare treat indeed for the neighbourhood.
“It was always beautiful but we decided we wanted to renovate when we had our son,” Lauren says.
The couple enlisted the help of Ponsonby-based Jessop Architects to reimagine their beloved, then single-level villa in 2015. Their brief was to modernise and expand the residence but be mindful of its heritage.
The kitchen has a large stone island, quality appliances and a scullery. Photo / Supplied
Downstairs is a playground for adults: two ensuited bedrooms, a third bathroom, wine cellar, a sauna and fully-equipped, built-in bar. Photo / Supplied
“I didn’t want all the character knocked out of it and they kept it so well,” says Lauren.
“We wanted to retain as many of the original features as we could but wanted it to be nice and warm and cosy too. We needed more space because we had a child, but we also wanted more space to entertain.
“The separation means that we can have parties with friends downstairs but it’s cosy enough to have family time upstairs.”
27 Franklin Road in Freemans Bay, Auckland, is on the market for sale by auction on May 29. The four-bedroom, five-bathroom property has a 2021 RV of $5.4 million and OneRoof data shows the property last changed hands in 2013 for $2m.
The now 348sqm floorplan starts at the wide entrance hall, which looks out over the treetops through large sets of glass stackers at the end.
Decks envelop the bright and open living, dining and kitchen zones, with each space flowing seamlessly into the next. Part of the deck directly out front is covered and heated, with drop down sides for all-weather protection.
The kitchen has a large stone island, quality appliances and a scullery. Downstairs is like a playground for adults. As well as two ensuited bedrooms, a third bathroom and huge laundry, the area incorporates a wine cellar, a sauna and fully-equipped, built-in bar in the central family room.
Off this area is also an enclosed wintergarden, so guests don’t have to leave the festivities when sitting outdoors. Outside, private, landscaped grounds include a tiled terrace that flows out to a putting green.
The home has great kerb appeal and last changed hands in 2013 for $2m. Photo / Supplied
The enclosed wintergarden means guests are still part of the festivities. Photo / Supplied
The neighbourhood is central to everything, offering access to the best of Ponsonby’s bars, cafes, restaurants and boutiques, which are all just a short walk away. The CBD, Wynyard Quarter, Westhaven Marina and motorway access North or South are also close by.
“We don’t use our car. Our son is at school down the road and everything is walking distance – you’ve got Grey Lynn park just up the road and you can walk down to Victoria Park, which we love,” says Lauren.
Franklin Road is also very well-known for its yuletide festivities.
“I’m a bit of a Christmas Grinch but you can’t help but get involved. It’s a real community feel. We have Roscoe, pretty much the mayor of Franklin Road, he gets everyone involved. I will miss that part of it,” says Lauren.
The agents say, “this home is ideal for buyers looking for a lock-up-and-leave property without compromising on size, families needing multiple living and entertaining zones, or those working from home. Its modern aspects also have wide appeal.
“The layout and design cater to various purchasers, regardless of their stage in life. It offers great kerb appeal and scale without the upkeep of traditional homes.”
- 27 Franklin Road in Freemans Bay, Auckland, is heading to auction on May 29
