It was the great views, generous space and ideal location that first attracted owner Robert to 7 Dryden Street and it has served as a fantastic family home in the five years since.
“We bought it pre-Covid, so it was the perfect house to go through lockdown and schooling the kids from home,” he says.
The original villa is over 100 years old and was developed around the mid-2010s, Robert explains. This renovation and extension carefully retained the home’s heritage features, but expanded and modernised it to create the expansive new two-level floorplan, which incorporates four bedrooms, three living areas and three bathrooms.
As soon as you walk through the front door, “you get this amazing, uninterrupted view of the city landscape and the Sky Tower. There are also a few trees with native birds coming and going, which is pretty cool too,” he says.
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Stained glass, gleaming timber flooring and high original ceilings enhance the classic character on the top floor, which have been balanced with a crisp white, gallery-style walls and a stylish modern kitchen.
A wall of glass floods the open-plan living, dining and kitchen space with all-day sun and opens out to the balcony that runs the full length of it. As well as the cityscape beyond, the balcony overlooks the north-facing garden below – an enormous flat lawn framed with easy-care landscaping.
Also upstairs and located off the hallway are a separate lounge, three bedrooms and family bathroom with bath. Downstairs, the ground floor offers another bedroom with walk-in robe and ensuite, a bathroom and large living area that flows out to the deck and back garden.
7 Dryden Street, in Grey Lynn, is on the market for sale by way of auction on August 14. The four-bedroom, three-bathroom property has a 2021 CV of $3.1 million.
As soon as you walk through the front door, “you get this amazing, uninterrupted view of the city landscape and the Sky Tower,” says the homeowner.
A renovation and extension carried out in the mid-2010s carefully retained the 100-year-old villa’s period features such as the fireplace.
“Functionally, it’s really good for entertaining and hosting events and there’s plenty of room to have family and friends stay,” says Robert.
“Two years ago I hosted my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary so we’ve had some really happy memories here, lots of kids birthday parties and sleepovers with kids.”
The separation also lends itself to teenagers having their own space or even accommodating extended family downstairs. Having lived in the area for 20 years, Robert says that there is a lot to love and enjoy about the well-connected neighbourhood.
“Grey Lynn Park is a two-minute walk away – it’s a great place to exercise and relax in and has the Grey Lynn Festival,” he says.
“Grey Lynn shops are a five-minute walk, there’s a mixture of shops and cafes there, and the West Lynn shops are a 10-minute walk away – you’ve got great cafes, bars and restaurants like Lillian, Honey Bones and Gypsy Tearoom.”
Another Auckland landmark that’s within strolling distance is Eden Park.
7 Dryden Street, in Grey Lynn, has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a single garage, with a $3.1m CV.
The homeowner says there’s potential for future development such as extending the deck and putting in a pool.
“I went to the recent All Blacks vs England game and was only a 20-minute walk – so that’s handy. My daughter plays football at Western Springs and we had the whole team here for a barbecue before walking to the Super Rugby final at Eden Park.”
Robert says the area is also well-serviced by public transport, taking 10-15 minutes by bus from Grey Lynn or Great North Road to the city.
The family hasn’t needed to do anything to the residence, besides Robert widening the garage to make it more functional and putting a garage door on. However, he does point out that there’s potential for future development.
“You could extend the deck out and could easily put in a pool. It’s got good bones.”
Listing agent Cristina Casares, from Bayleys, says, “One of the standout features I love most about this stunning villa is its elevation, which offers amazing views of the Sky Tower. The spacious rooms and tall ceilings throughout the home add a sense of grandeur and elegance, making it an ideal sanctuary for work, relaxation, and play.”
- 7 Dryden Street, in Grey Lynn, Auckland, goes to auction on August 14
