LIVING IS EASY ON EYE
Villa in Ponsonby is repurposed and given a new look, writes, Louise Richardson
This Ponsonby villa presented in very good order when its owner bought it in 2012, but she could see it had plenty of potential.
Built in the early 1900s, 68 Clarence St had three bedrooms, two of them large with lots of storage and one very small.
So the owner decided to repurpose the tiny bedroom to extend the open-plan living, dining and kitchen area and create a study nook.
With its high ceilings the living space is smart and sunny. The beautifully proportioned kitchen combines all mods-cons in a compact area, and there’s ample opportunity for family or guests to chat to the cook.
While the house isn’t huge, it works incredibly well and is an ideal alternative to an apartment for an owner who likes having outdoor living space.
Landscaper Tony Murrell enjoyed creating a small but very attractive green courtyard.
“It was especially satisfying for me working with this owner because she’s a passionate fan of hedging and she’d grown her own ficus, “Tuffi,’ which she wanted me to include,” he says. “She adores topiary, too, so we worked that into the plan as well.”
The garden studio is an added bonus and i has loads of storage within and around a concealed laundry cupboard. The bedroom here is cool and contemporary with the cutest en suite ever. The basin came from Poland, and there’s a 90sq m shower.
The dcor throughout is light and bright with space for cherished artworks. The spectacular Moroccan chandeliers are a talking point.
The kauri floors have been finished in an ash-blonde wash and the fireplace in the living room is a magnet in winter. The main bathroom features classic subway tiles and a combination bath/ shower.
The home overall is a great place for entertaining, with an excellent indoor-outdoor flow. There’s protection from the wind when outside, and absolute privacy elsewhere.
Unusually for Ponsonby you have your own off-street parking. There’s plenty of on-street parking too — you’ll just need to organise a resident permit.
The property is perfectly positioned when it comes to accessing Ponsonby Rd. Jervois Rd is nearby too.
“When I bought it, I had a daughter at home who was working in hospitality to fund her studies, so it was perfect for both of us,” says the owner, who is moving to Hawkes Bay.