Sun, shelter and 1930s character

TENDERS CLOSE on November 7 for an exquisite character home with a sunny, sheltered garden in Thorndon.

The four-bedroom house, at 19 Grant Rd, was built in 1937 and is for sale for the first time in 19 years.

It’s a charming example of art moderne architecture that’s been discreetly renovated for modern living in a picturesque setting.

The two-storey, 170-square metre dwelling includes a large basement and is on a leafy 311 square metre section with private lawn, harbour views and a single garage with a side door.

‘‘It’s believed to have been one of the first reinforced concrete houses built in Wellington,’’ the vendors say.

Many of the original features remain, from the matai floorboards and paned windows to bifolding doors, oak joinery and an open fireplace with a marble hearth (which complements recently installed Italian radiator heating).

The fireplace is in the formal lounge, which adjoins a dining area that faces west over a secluded patio sited for late sun.

‘‘We love the location,’’ the owners say. ‘‘It’s surprisingly sunny for Thorndon, it’s sheltered from the wind, and you can easily walk to and from town.

‘‘We’re reluctant to sell but it’s time to downsize and move closer to family.’’

Among their improvements have been remodelling the kitchen and opening it up to the lounge.

Chattels include an Atlas range with a five-burner cooktop, an integrated rangehood, modern double DishDrawer dishwasher, and an integrated refrigeratorfreezer next to pullout pantry shelves.

There’s also a separate toilet on the lower level while upstairs are the carpeted main bedrooms, two double-bedrooms with matai floors, a large single, and two bathrooms.

The main bedroom includes an ensuite while a towering sycamore frames its view of the private eastfacing garden and harbour.

‘‘This will appeal to anyone who loves original 1930s character and wants a beautiful green and sunny section in an ultra convenient inner-city location,’’ Craig Lowe, of Lowe & Co Realty, says.

The property has a rateable value of $1.35 million.