MOUNTAIN HIGH

A thoroughly modern makeover makes this villa an oasis in the city, writes CATHERINE SMITH

Breath-taking views from the Manukau Harbour, and Waitakere Ranges, all the way to Mt St John, were what sold digital advertising creative Hamish and his wife Fiona on their Owens Rd, Epsom, property 16 years ago.

The 1910 bay-fronted villa, on the slopes of Maungawhau next to The Pines apartments, looked like it had been there since Epsom’s early days. But the couple discovered that it had been moved there from Devonport in the early 1990s with three bedrooms and two bathrooms slotted into a new upper floor.

“We had no intention of moving. In fact, we'd just had plans completed for another property in Mt Eden. But as soon as we saw the view we both said, 'Let's buy it!’.

“The house was in good nick, but it just needed to be rethought as the flow was not right,” says Hamish.

The family lived in the house for a couple of years to get a feel for it before briefing architect Lisa Webb.

The redesign re-oriented kitchen and living areas to the south-west facing view. Webb rearranged the typical villa poor flow and pokey rooms and replaced small windows that all but concealed that spectacular view with walls of glass.

Key to unlocking the space was removing an enormous staircase, clearly repurposed from a much grander villa, and opening up a single open-plan main living space, with broad glass doors opening to the view and lawn.

The rebuild ensured all the

“There’s a sense of calm being removed from the hustle and bustle of Auckland, despite only being 15 minutes to the CBD in rush hour.”

joinery was upgraded, insulation was added and a more logical flow of landscaping brought visitors up to the new replica front door, while the flat lawn off the living room was tidied up. The family now has outdoor living spaces around three sides of the property. Surrounded by greenery, it feels like an oasis but is just minutes from busy Newmarket or Mt Eden Village.

“We use the kitchen for our everyday living, so we wanted to appreciate those views. The kitchen is a high-gloss lacquer, so the even the splashback reflects back views and light.

“We also wanted to hide the clutter, so cabinets have clean, crisp lines, with storage behind push panels under the stairs.”

As with all renovations, the old house had missing floorboards and wonky walls. Hamish and Fiona relaid all the kauri flooring for a seamless finish and Hamish spent many hours on site with the builders.

One of the three bedrooms upstairs is Hamish’s study, complete with a suite of vintage Macintosh computers.

But with their son grown and off to university, it’s time to move on.

“There’s a sense of calm being removed from the hustle and bustle of Auckland, despite only being 15 minutes to the CBD in rush hour,” says Hamish.

“This house is now ready to be loved by new owners,” says Ray White agent Mike Robson, who is selling the property by set sale.

“It’s a unique property with expansive westerly views, and only a short stroll to Mt Eden Village. With Maungawhau as a backdrop, you have great walks literally at your doorstep as well, plus the best schools in town.”

Sale: Set sale May 27

Contact: Mike Robson, Ray White, 021 484 288; James Wang, 021 658 357