Recognising the potential to improve this architecturally-designed home has resulted in this sophisticated Kohi residence, which surprises on several levels.
Partner at the Crown Solicitors’ office Mark and Starship paediatric gastroenterologist Amin bought this home in November 2020, familiar with Eltham Road because a friend lived there.
Mark says: “We wanted to eliminate the diabolic motorway commute in from where we were living in West Harbour and thought this place had good potential.
“It had great bones but some elements were ready to be updated, especially the bathrooms. I think it’s a bit deceptive from the roadside. It looks smart but there’s little indication of how light and bright it is inside. You don’t realise until you come inside that the entire back wall is glass.
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“And people don’t always realise how spacious it is, with more than 300sqm across three levels, featuring an atrium all the way up.”
It’s located just one block back from beach, with a walkway next door leading straight to Tamaki Drive. Kohi Beach Café is only two minutes’ walk away.
Architect Mark Smith designed the 2005 home with a cedar and masonry exterior. Upon taking possession Mark and Amin immediately re-painted and put in new carpet, curtains, blinds and fencing.
They installed six heat pumps to complement the ground and first floor’s underfloor heating. And they replaced all lights with beautiful ECC lighting they’d selected, including a striking Paola Navone brass pendant which undulates above the dining table.
The secret garden has a feijoa hedge, lemon, lime, flowers plus a grapevine trained overhead. Photo / Supplied
“I think it’s a bit deceptive from the roadside. It looks smart but there’s little indication of how light and bright it is inside,” says one of the homeowners. Photo / Supplied
But their biggest undertaking was reinventing the ground floor powder room, second floor guest bathroom and upper level ensuite so they engaged acclaimed interior designer Natalie Du Bois before they even moved in.
She interpreted their “dark and moody” brief beautifully across these three spaces, winning the NKBA Excellence in Design Supreme Bathroom Design Award 2022 for their mid-floor guest bathroom. The home is flanked by two single internal access garages. Entry reveals the ground floor’s kitchen-dining-living expanse which also incorporates a sitting room.
This level features dark exposed beams, tiled flooring and a kitchen teaming stainless benches and timber cabinetry, where Amin’s cooking trumps Mark’s hands down.
The atrium soars upwards above the living area and wide-opening doors lead out to the patio and a compact but neatly manicured garden with artificial turf.
“We tried to create a secret garden feeling out the back.” There’s a feijoa hedge, a lemon and lime plus a grapevine trained overhead.
“The house can feel like a sanctuary to return to, but at the same time it’s a great place to entertain.”
Architect Mark Smith designed the three-storey home with a cedar and masonry exterior. Photo / Supplied
The 310sqm home on a 358sqm section has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, multiple living areas, and garaging for two vehicles. Photo / Supplied
The powder room-concealed laundry which completes this level now has the wow factor. The atrium continues through floor two, ensuring it’s equally light and bright.
It has three bedrooms, a sitting room and the award-winning guest bathroom. The upper level master bedroom with balcony has a walk-in wardrobe and an immaculately executed ensuite.
There’s also an office which, like the master bedroom, has timber flooring and enjoys a partial view of the sea.
The property’s lock-up-and-leave nature makes travelling easy. Having realised the potential they first saw in the property the couple are ready to move on.
Ray White agent Jayne Kiely says: “This beautiful home may appeal to another couple, downsizers, or a family who’ll appreciate living close to the beach, Madills farm and excellent schooling options.”
14A Eltham Road in Kohimarama, Auckland, is on the market for sale, heading to auction on April 2.
- Sponsored by Ray White
