Matt O’Brien, of Jervois & Co. Real Estate, says that people’s jaws drop when they first step into 5 Northland Street in Grey Lynn because it is a beautifully and very thoughtfully designed retreat.
It is also close to shops and other amenities yet situated in a very peaceful spot amongst surrounding traditional villas and bungalows and very close to Grey Lynn Park.
“Originally, the architect and his partner’s blended family lived in the two adjacent villas, and what’s now number five was a big artist’s studio,” O’Brien says.
“They were all connected, old-school, Grey Lynn style and very cool.”
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Completed in 2000, the renovated and much-extended home was designed by the owner-architect, John Haydn, as a base for his family, and he had no hesitation about blending in some daring features, including the northern side of the house which is almost a wall of windows from one end to the other.
In addition, the polished concrete floor Haydn included helps to harness and retain the sun’s warmth.
“The vaulted ceilings and an abundance of windows gives the property a huge sense of space and light and the feature Japanese garden at the rear – as viewed through the lounge – adds a very peaceful and tranquil feel,” O’Brien says.
“A number of really special elements have come together in perfect harmony, and with a tinge of industrial genius, and I just love it.”
It’s true that the house, which is 136sqm, feels a whole lot bigger – probably because of its simple yet effective, very open layout.
It features bespoke custom-made fixtures and fittings throughout, and Haydn used beautiful timbers in order to give it a true kiwi feel.
“He re-purposed where he could,” O’Brien says.
“The incredible steel windows throughout came from old buildings and he gave them new life in a very cool way, which is rare in a modern residential setting.”
O’Brien says that as an added bonus there are two off-street carparks fitted with electric car chargers which are ready and waiting to go for new Teslas.
Zoned for Grey Lynn School, Kowhai Intermediate and Auckland Girls Grammar, along with Western Springs College, this is the perfect house for a family, set on a 428sqm site with room for family and pets.
O’Brien says that the street is a very friendly one with a strong sense of community.
The Grey Lynn Shops, including Pocket Bar and Tiger Burger, are just a few short steps away and access to Auckland’s CBD – as well as to Ponsonby – is easy by car, bike, scooter, on foot or by public transport.
He says that he’s been getting a good number of curious buyers through the door and believes that the property will be sold to someone who falls in love with its unique and beautiful design.
“The combination of its amazing style and the very desirable suburb, in terms of location, means that properties like this are few and far between,” O’Brien says.
“This is definitely mid-century style but with a fascinating twist. For those who are after two homes next to each other, 5A is up for sale as well, a do-up villa with loads of potential.”
5 Northland Street in Grey Lynn is going to auction on August 4.
- Article sponsored by Jervois & Co. Real Estate
