Self-confessed “recidivist renovators” Roz and Peter Rust have fine-tuned and perfected their home-transformation skills over the years and harnessed these to enhance their latest abode, an elegant Ponsonby villa.
“Every house that we’ve owned – we’ve been in Grey Lynn, Parnell, Remuera and Newmarket – has captured my heart and I’ve just known from the first visit that I could picture our family there,” says Roz.
They purchased 7 Lincoln Street in 2019 after Roz was particularly taken with the lush private garden.
“It’s an oasis in the middle of the city and so unexpected. You wouldn’t believe that you’re right in the middle of Ponsonby and that Ponsonby Road is half a minute’s walk away,” she says.
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All the structure was there when they arrived, so the couple have simply added to and enlarged the borders of the original grounds and lawns.
“There are punga and nikau palms silhouetted against the tall eastern wall at night and in the late afternoon it’s a true delight.”
Another element that enticed Roz and Peter to this home was the way it evoked memories of the one they owned and adored in France for 15 years.
“We bought it in 2009 and in three months did a miraculous total renovation. It was a gorgeous house attached to a 13th century abbey in a very small rural village in the southwest, near Bordeaux.
“Although this city villa has a totally different vibe, there’s something about its verticality and the fact that every window has a lovely view.”
To make the two-storey Ponsonby residence more spacious and functional, the couple refreshed and expanded the original footprint, as well as decorated with a chic European touch. It’s now a captivating mélange of old and new that works beautifully, as all the enhancements made were sympathetic to the villa structure and its classic original features.
The homeowners refreshed and expanded the original footprint, as well as decorated with a chic European touch.
The property has a lush, private garden in the back.
“It’s a gorgeous house and deserved a good renovation to bring it up to modern standards and make it lovely to live in, in every aspect. When we arrived, it only had one bathroom and one little leaking toilet, so we packed all the good, practical stuff into the new space.”
The ground floor now comprises kitchen, living and dining spaces that flow seamlessly from one to the next, then out to the patio and garden. Beyond that is a laundry and a guest powder room, and then behind that at the front of the house is a bedroom with ensuite.
The top floor offers two more double bedrooms, the main bathroom and a lovely third room spanning the width of the villa with balconies at either end.
Roz describes her inspired interior style as reflective of their collective family experiences.
“We have a lot of French furniture. We brought a couple of containers over and for a while we had a French antique shop called The French Trading Company in Heather Street in Parnell.
“A few items found their way into the house! So a lovely thing for us here has been a real crossover of our French and New Zealand lives and the way each piece evokes a special memory.”
The interior is a captivating mélange of old and new that works beautifully.
The view from a vintage, coloured window upstairs.
High studs and well-proportioned rooms have meant their home has also been a dream for entertaining.
“The living, dining and kitchen is all on one level and works really well when we’ve got a crowd here. We’ve had lovely Christmas brunches and gatherings here with family and friends.
“It’s been a joy to live here and it really is a haven. I love houses that have character – perhaps an eccentricity and things that speak of the family’s life experiences.”
Scott and Chloe Wither, from Ray White, are marketing the property and commented on the home’s thoughtful design.
“Combining European sophistication with heritage charm, the owners have created the ultimate urban sanctuary, just moments from Ponsonby Road. Stepping inside, it feels like you could be anywhere in the world.”
7 Lincoln Street in Ponsonby, Auckland, is for sale by way of auction on February 4.
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