Big and bold, never beige

This large home offers numerous options and is in an ideal location, writes Sandra Goodwin

Local character Gerry Hill, who’s owned this Ponsonby Terrace property with partner Sally James for 20 years, says emphatically: “We don’t do beige”. Inside, the big villa is filled with art and is resplendent in the intense blue and green colours of the Pacific.

The couple are selling the nine- bedroom property because Gerry says it is time to move on.

They think the renovated six- bedroom villa with second dwelling, will appeal to a large or extended family, or those looking to run a B& B.

Sally says: “This really is the perfect Ponsonby location. You wake up in this quiet no- exit street to birdsong from neighbouring Tole Reserve.

“You’re not right on Ponsonby Rd but only a minute’s walk from it.”

They searched for two years in the early 90s before buying this 1898 Ponsonby villa at auction from a big family in 1994; then spent two years reinventing it.

Architect Chris Sage designed the sympathetic but thorough renovation- extension, which included re- piling, re- wiring, re- plumbing, achieving fire rating standards and adding the upper storey.

Their green ethos guided choices such as wool insulation and re- using materials where possible.

Until recently Ponsonby history lover Gerry hosted Ponsonby walking tours. The couple know some of Number 30’ s lore.

It was reputedly built by a man who built two neighbouring houses for his daughters and added rear dwellings in which to make toys during the Depression.

There are shady tales of movies being filmed in part of the house in the 1970s.

White wisteria unfurls along the villa’s front Pacifica- style fretwork each spring, alongside the horseshoe- shaped driveway with entry, exit plus four off- street parks.

Landscaping includes a side lawn and a

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