NEW AND IMPROVED It’s more than a new lease of life – this villa has been completely rebuilt, writes Donna Fleming

Auckland property developers G Homes (the G stands for great) aim high — and their latest effort in Freemans Bay is a prime example.

Five years ago they bought a 1880s villa on a 1189sq m section and have since re-built it from the ground up.

Says G Homes’ commercial manager Dean Fox: “It’s a really a special property. We’re very happy with the way it has turned out.”

Architect David Ponting came up with the new layout over three levels. On the lower level is a rumpus room and double garage with internal access.

The main floor above has a open plan living/ dining/kitchen area, along with three bedrooms, a bathroom, powder room and laundry. The master bedroom on the upper level has en suite and sitting area.

G Homes designer Fay Li is the creative whizz responsible for the interior look, starting with a feature wall of striking geometric wallpaper in the living area.

“I wanted to add some warmth with wallpaper,” says Fay, “rather than having everything painted a stark white.”

While she’s all for a bit of bling she makes sure it’s subtle, rather than overwhelming. “You don’t want too much, but used judicially it can make a big difference.”

The house exudes elegance and sophistication while retaining plenty of period charm — for example, the heritage-style villa architraves and sash windows are new.

When Fay, who has over 20 years’ experience in property development, begins work on a house she imagines herself living in it.

“I think about things like where am I going to put my colander and my wok in the kitchen, and are there places for my boots and suitcases? I’m big on storage — you can’t have too much storage.”

As a result there is plenty of storage here. The Matisse kitchen, for example, not only has lots of cupboards and drawers, but a separate butler’s pantry. It also has a hard-wearing porcelain work surface and state-of-the-art Neff appliances.

All the cabinetry — including in the pantry, laundry, bathrooms and wardrobes — has been custom-made. Top quality carpet, engineered European oak flooring and tiles have been used throughout. There is matte black tapware in the bathrooms.

Meticulous attention has also been paid to things like lighting. There’s a sensor light that comes on in the pantry. There’s also LED lighting in the bathroom vanity that doubles as a night light.

The upper level is a peaceful sanctuary, while the spacious rumpus room could also be a home office, as it has its own entrance.

The large, north-facing deck has views across the rooftops of Freemans Bay to the harbour.

G Homes expects the house will appeal to couples who love villa living but want to downsize to a low-maintenance home with modern comforts.

Fay says: “I don’t know who exactly who will be buying this but my aim is to give them a home that has the quality they are expecting. I hope it will warm people’s hearts.”

Kellands agent Martin Dobson says it’s unusual to see a villa totally re-built. “It is new but still has that great villa style.”

And it’s in a great location. “You are only a short walk to Ponsonby, Victoria Park and the supermarket. Plus you’re close to the city. ”