On a quiet, no-exit street, down a well-concealed and picturesque driveway, surrounded by native trees and bordering several reserves, Jacky McManus’ charming cottage is a magical sight.
Ray White agents Robyn Ellson and Josh Powell are bringing it to auction March 11.
A smart colour scheme of black and white transformed the 1980s lemon and dark brown scheme. Photo / Ted Baghurst
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“When I first saw it, I was looking for somewhere for my son and his partner to live, and I fell in love completely,” says Jacky.
“Not long afterwards, the two of them decided to embark on an OE instead of settling down for now, but I carried on renovating here because I was enjoying the whole process so much.”
She says that the exterior of the house was originally painted in a lemon colour, and the joinery was stained dark brown. “It was all pretty tired and dated.”
As the project progressed, Jacky kept within the original footprint and rearranged the kitchen space, ending up with the bonus of an adjacent scullery-come-laundry.
Painting out the wood work revealed the stylish bones of the property. Photo / Ted Baghurst
The kitchen itself is cute and cool, with smart white cabinetry, a black splash-back and black door and drawer handles, plus hardy and generous marble-look Formica benchtops.
In a bold move, Jacky decided to have many of the interior ceilings in the house painted black too, and she doesn’t regret that decision at all because the outcome is simply stunning.
There are two bedrooms on the ground floor, in addition to the kitchen and the main living area — which opens to a sun-kissed deck.
The original bathroom on this level most notably formerly included a retro pink bath.
“That was something which certainly had to go, and we’ve transformed this part of the house completely,” says Jacky.
The owner loves the dramatic black ceilings, a change from the expected safe white. Photo / Ted Baghurst
Upstairs are two further bedrooms, including the master suite, with its gorgeous leafy views. It has access to a cute balcony and boasts a nifty well-designed bathroom, as well as a substantial wardrobe.
The other bedroom is smaller, but it opens to a large, elevated deck which effectively adds much more living space.
Although the home’s total floor area is relatively modest, the extensive outdoor living on both levels makes it feel much more substantial.
The exterior has been freshly repainted too, so all of the hard work has been done.
The owner put in a new kitchen with a marble-look bench, repeating the black ceilings. Photo / supplied
Jacky imagines that new owners will love the sense of living in a private bush setting — yet the property is just minutes from the Waterview Tunnel, which has completely revolutionised transport and accessibility in Auckland. It’s also within very easy access of newly refreshed Mt Albert village, enduringly eclectic Avondale, and a growing number of quality cafes and eateries in New Lynn.
While she was really hoping to keep it in the family, Jacky knows that her good work in polishing this little gem will make a home-buyer very happy indeed, and agent Robyn Ellson from Ray White Ponsonby agrees.
“It’s an amazing find at this price-point and you’re getting so much, with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and all the other features,” she says. “It is a truly special home.”
Check out the listing below:
