Swedish Kiwi John Wallberg’s relationship with the period property at 17 Pompallier Terrace in Ponsonby, Auckland, which he and wife Jan-Owe have recently remodelled, began in 1996 when young renovators were descending on the previously working-class, inner-city suburb and doing up tired but character-filled houses – revitalising the community.
“Mine had already been modernised but there was a very DIY sort of feel about it so in 2000 I engaged architects to do the job properly and was very pleased with the results,” he says, adding that this project included the ultra-rare Ponsonby jewel: a garage – and a double one at that.
“Eventually, Jan-Owe and I married, then our two children came along, and we all lived very happily here as a family, then, relatively recently, we decided to do it all again.”
Wallberg says that the resulting scheme took several years to come to fruition – partly due to delays caused by pandemic lockdowns.
Start your property search
“We had to wait quite a while for resource consents as we were wanting to exceed site coverage and finally, after a lot of back and forth, we’ve gone on to fit in as much we could include – including a pool,” he says.
17 Pompallier Terrace in Ponsonby is on the market for sale by auction on January 25. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom property has a 2021 RV of $2.825 million.
The top-notch designer kitchen with quality Miele appliances and a scullery. Photo / Supplied
Wallberg says he was astonished at how many features architects Hoxha Bailey Architects were able to fit in, and all without compromising an overall sense of elegance and space.
The capacious master suite enjoys a generous private bathroom with walk-in wardrobe, while two further bedrooms are also well-proportioned.
A versatile combined bathroom and laundry also features on the single level dwelling’s floor plan, along with a top-notch designer kitchen with quality Miele appliances and the most wonderful entertainer’s treat – a scullery. Around this hub of the home lies a dining area and family room – plus a separate, more formal lounge.
Wallberg says one of the aspects he likes most about changes to the rear of the house is the very high ceiling – which even eclipses the original rear’s typically soaring heights. He adds that the property has an almost resort-like atmosphere, enhanced by the fact that the pool on the side and the deck are utterly private.
“We just love this house and we’re only moving because our children are teenagers now and we’ve realised that they need a bit more space,” Wallberg says.
The pool on the side and the deck are utterly private at 17 Pompallier Terrace. Photo / Supplied
The home has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and the ultra-rare Ponsonby jewel: a garage – and a double one at that. Photo / Supplied
After a quarter-century, living in popular Ponsonby, Wallberg says it’s absolutely true that the neighbourhood is always evolving, and he confirms that Pompallier Terrace is extremely well-located for access to shops, cafes and other community facilities.
Listing agent Charlotte Kofoed, from Ray White, Ponsonby, agrees. “Although they ended up changing their plans, our vendors did this complete renovation for themselves and their lifestyle – not to sell, but to live in and the quality throughout is superb,” Kofoed says.
She says that open homes have attracted a fantastic response, especially for the time of year.
“What we’re seeing is empty-nesters from Remuera, Herne Bay, Epsom and other similar suburbs wanting to downsize into an easy-care, lock-up-and-leave property, but with a bit more outside space than an apartment and this special home is exactly that.”
