“The market was going crazy and we looked at dozens of places,” says John Lee, remembering when he and wife Lizzie were house-hunting in Auckland in 2013.
The Kiwi couple had been based in Australia, during which time John had founded and run a successful film company.
When they saw this architect-designed property in a top Herne Bay street, they felt it wasn’t them but it definitely had potential. Their offer was accepted, and they started on a huge renovation.
“Some of it was easy and just involved changing colours,” says Lizzie, “but other parts were really major and we were glad when it was all finished.
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“We’ve got five children between us, so it had to be a place that would work for family occasions and have the flexibility for some of them to live with us from time to time,” she says.
The results of their labours are spectacular: a luxurious, penthouse-style residence with private outdoor areas and masses of space.
The house is set over three levels. On the ground is a double garage and laundry, with space in a small garden to hang washing.
The bedrooms are on this level, too. John and Lizzie made major changes in this area of the property.
“The previous owner had part of this floor as a lounge, but we decided to develop that space into a huge master suite, keeping the existing en suite and adding a wardrobe/dressing room,” says Lizzie.
“It’s the most heavenly space and totally private.”
Another two bedrooms share access to the main bathroom. “The bathrooms are lovely so we left them as they were,” she says.
The upper level contains the vast main living and dining area, with a sensational kitchen, complete with high-quality Scholtz appliances.
“We’ve had some huge gatherings here and it never feels crowded,” says Lizzie.
A wraparound deck outside adds yet more living space, and the double-sided fire means that it can be used all-year-round.
The formal lounge, with its built-in shelving can be closed off.
And when it comes to flexibility, the lower level of the house presents a huge surprise.
It’s essentially a giant studio with a bedroom corner, loads of living space, kitchen facilities and a bathroom.
This wing has its own entrance and John and Lizzie agree that it’s one of the home’s best features.
“We’ve had loads of guests and family members to stay down here and it’s nice for them because it’s completely private,” says Lizzie
The patio outside the studio wing was once clearly visible from the street, but thanks to fast-growing hedging it’s now secluded and tranquil.
The house comes with countless extras, including security system, central vacuum, appliances, and much more.
John and Lizzie need to move back to Brisbane, but they both feel proud of what they’ve achieved with this property.
“Although it’s a relatively new house, we’ve been told that it still has a real personality ... and I tend to agree,” says Lizzie, whose elegant taste is reflected in the furnishings, like the magnificent chandeliers and sumptuous drapes.
“We’ve had a truly great few years living here and we’ll definitely miss it. If we were staying we’d be putting in an elevator and a pool. All the consents have been done, we just ran out of time.
“With Ponsonby Rd just around the corner, we’ve been really spoilt in terms of choices for wining and dining.”
15 CURRAN ST, HERNE BAY, AUCKLAND
4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 car parks
SIZE (more or less): Land 400sq m, house 373sq m.
INSPECT: Sat/Sun 12.30-1pm.
AUCTION: 6.30pm, Wed 26 Sept, Sapphire Room upstairs, Ponsonby Central (unless sold prior).
SCHOOLS: Ponsonby Primary, Ponsonby Intermediate, Western Springs College.
CONTACT: Steen Nielsen, Ray White, 027 557 8336.
