A MODERN-DAY MAKEOVER
A major rebuild of this 1950s dwelling seven years ago means that all the hard work is done, writes LOUISE RICHARDSON.
If potential purchasers had seen this much-loved home a few years ago they wouldn’t have believed it was the same property.
“We did a major rebuild in 2015 to make more space for our children as they approached their teens, and the result is a practically new home,” the owners explain.
It was designed by Amy Hendry, founder of Four Walls Architecture, whose brief was to take maximum advantage of the site, and work in more living space and the new-look brick and weatherboard home – which has all but replaced the original 1950s dwelling – is modern and contemporary.
Set across three levels with a double garage and rumpus, the ground floor provides easy access to the heated pool and there’s a handy bathroom for a post-dip shower.
The next level is much larger with a huge open plan kitchen (with adjacent laundry), dining and living room – opening to an equally generous, north-facing deck.
There are four bedrooms on this floor and a smart, stylish bathroom.
All of the bedrooms are sunny and warm with pleasant, neutral de´ cor.
The owners’ retreat is the luxury primary suite on the third floor where they enjoy a big walk-in closet, ensuite and their own sunny sitting room.
“It was supposed to be an adults-only zone but that wasn’t always what happened,” they say.
Being environmentally conscious, they’ve installed solar panels for hot water and installed double glazing throughout.
In the years since the rebuild was complete, they’ve turned their sights to the garden, which now blooms bright, with natives, sub-tropical planting, and flowers such as camellias, rhododendrons and hydrangeas. A rainwater tank fuels the irrigation system.
The neighbourhood around 316 West Tamaki Road has been perfect for family life, enjoying easy access to Tahuna Torea Reserve and Glendowie Sandspit.
They say that it’s a very safe place for children to run, scoot or bike around and the property is in zone for Glendowie School, Glendowie College and a number of private schools and kindergartens.
With two of their children now studying drama at Selwyn College these owners are swapping their sea views of Hauraki Gulf and Tamaki estuary for tree views, in Meadowbank.
“We’re excited about our new home but telling our neighbours was hard – especially as many are close friends,” they say.
“We did a major rebuild in 2015 to make more space for our children ... and the result is a practically new home.”
“The lovely couple on our right have been like second grandparents and they even built steps at the fence, so that the kids could cross from our place to theirs when they were young and we’ll certainly miss them.”
Alison Jackson-Mee from Unlimited Potential in Remuera says that West Tamaki Road is busy at the top, but it ends in a cul-de-sac near this property, by which time, there’s barely any traffic.
“I love that it’s close to the reserve, it’s a great spot for kitesurfers, and there are at least three nice cafes, just a few minutes’ walk away.”
Sale: Auction, June 16 Contact: Alison Jackson-Mee, Unlimited Potential, 021 410 101