DREAM HOME IN PONSONBY
PONSONBY 24 Ponsonby Terrace
The exterior of this lovingly restored character villa is traditionally sweet and neat, but it merely hints at what lies beyond; an almost all-white, luxury, city-side haven with high ceilings, huge windows and rooms completely filled with light and air.
Owners Sam and Maria, who bought the property in 2016, say that although it had been beautifully reimagined by Jones Architects and completely modernised, they felt its full potential was yet to emerge.
“We repainted throughout, lightened the floors, recarpeted in some parts, and in doing so, made it feel like a totally different house,” Maria says.
She and Sam spent much of the long 2020 lockdown here, with their adult daughter and son-in-law, plus one grandchild – and eventually, two.
“It’s a home that truly rises to the occasion.”
As a keen cook and entertainer, Maria has especially enjoyed the awardwinning kitchen and the nextdoor scullery-laundry. She and Sam had the joinery here refaced, and they replaced some appliances, but the layout is essentially the same.
“I love the fact that I can be cooking up a storm, while everybody gathers around me!” she says, adding that in just four years the house has hosted a number of milestone celebrations including a 21st, a 50th and a 60th birthday, plus several happy Christmas dinners.
Surrounding the kitchen is an expansive dining and living area, which opens, in turn to the sun-drenched rear outdoor space, reached via an enormous deck with an outdoor fire.
This part of the property is completely surrounded by neatly manicured hedging and enjoys the added bonus of a private gate, opening to popular adjacent Tole Reserve, which essentially feels like an extension of Maria and Sam’s garden.
On the ground floor of the property, along with a separate formal lounge, are three generous double bedrooms, each with wardrobe space and all are served by the timeless and elegant main family bathroom.
On the second level, a seamless extension at the rear of the property, is a dreamy master suite with its own luxury ensuite, wardrobe and study nook plus a balcony with attractive westerly views.
Sherryl Jones from Barfoot and Thompson, Ponsonby says that she is thrilled to be marketing this very special home. “It’s tastefully presented, in an awesome street, with great neighbours and a real sense of community.”
Maria and Sam agree. “It’s very close to Ponsonby Road, yet when we’re at home it feels so peaceful,” Maria says.
“All the fantastic shops and eateries, and of course the various bays for swimming, are practically on the doorstep – plus there’s the bonus of offstreet parking behind electronic gates and excellent schools nearby, so we’re really going to miss it here.”
Auction: April 17
Contact: Sherryl Jones, Barfoot and Thompson, 021 122 3651