Sometimes it can be hard to find a smaller home in popular seaside suburbs like St Heliers, which is why this home at 35 Paunui Street really appealed to its current owners who’ve lived there for around 12 years.
“It’s been a labour of love during our time here although we did most of it about three years ago,” he says. “We used Chris Foley who is a well-known local builder, and he interpreted our ideas really well.”
The current vendors bought the property 12 years ago and renovated it about three years ago. Photo / Supplied
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The owner says that while he works in the tree business, it was actually his wife who master-minded the sensational garden, with its bright colours and subtropical plantings, set around extensive decking and carefully planned to keep mowing and weeding to a minimum.
It turns out that she also did all the interior design. “She’s really good at this sort of stuff and just loves it,” he says.
The three-bedroom home makes clever use of space and includes a smart family bathroom, plus an ensuite for the master suite.
The living spaces are open and airy, and a crisp, cool, colour palette features lots of white, chosen to enhance the sunlight that streams in every day.
The property is a compact, contemporary, character home with a garden. Photo / Supplied
In the well-equipped kitchen, easy and convenient induction cooking will delight the keen entertainer.
The owner says that the extensive renovation included the installation of under-floor heating, full insulation, a heat pump, and security, along with indoor and outdoor speakers.
“We did everything to the very highest standards that we could.”
He says that he and his wife and children had plenty of time to think about their lifestyle during the Auckland lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 and made a collective decision to move full-time to their bach, up north.
35 Paunui Street in St Heliers has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a carport. Photo / Supplied
“It’s always good to have a change and this feels like the right moment.”
Kelly Midwood of Barfoot & Thompson, St Heliers, says that smaller properties like this one are rare in this very popular neighbourhood and are frequently sought by couples whose children have left the nest, meaning that the need for a large home is no longer there, yet they still want to live locally.
She says that essentially, 35 Paunui Street offers an apartment-flavour lifestyle that’s ideal when you want contemporary features in a compact, character home, but don’t want to give up your garden.
The home is a few blocks, and an easy stroll, from the beach. Photo / Supplied
As for the location, this property is just a few blocks and therefore an easy stroll away from the beach and St Heliers is a lovely, friendly community with shops, cafes, restaurants and amenities such as doctors and pharmacies at its heart.
The tennis court is a magnet to locals, and getting to the CBD is quick and straightforward. The home is zoned for Glendowie College and St Heliers School, while St Ignatius Catholic School is just around the corner.
35 Paunui Street in St Heliers, Auckland will be sold at auction on March 2.
