Living big in Ilam
Space, space and more space makes for great family living or a superb investment in the heart of Ilam on a coveted rear site in a quiet, tree-lined cul de sac. Six double bedrooms, three bathrooms, and north-facing living rooms of enviably large proportions are a solid start to this home where a considerable amount of money has already been spent on substantial renovations.
The original, ground floor, Summerhill stone exterior has now been rendered with a plaster finish, immediately modernising this substantial home.
The addition of double-glazed bi-fold doors along the northern side of the home allows sun and light to flood through the living, dining and kitchen areas, opening the home to the professionally landscaped grounds.
These private and substantial grounds include large entertaining areas, an outdoor fire, pizza oven and spa pool area, all of which promises a great spring and a long hot summer just outside your living room.
Expansive entertaining areas, inside and out are very much a feature here and, together with the solid build and generously proportioned rooms, they offer the astute buyer a raft of opportunities and options.
With all the essential areas facing the right way for all-day sun, the only decisions needed now are essentially who gets which rooms, and there’s more than enough on offer.
The kitchen, already of a good size and with its own set of bifold doors opening to the grounds, offers good storage and a practical layout as it is, with timber cabinetry and an adjacent separate laundry.
Its position alongside the large family room and dining room offers the next owner the option to make these areas open plan and perhaps add a butler’s kitchen where the existing laundry is.
Those wanting to take full advantage of the space on offer and the clever inclusion of bifold doors almost the entire length of the north side opening to the grounds would be able to do just that.
In the meantime, however, they can have a warm and comfortable winter in front of the log burner and heat pump.
Large though it is, the family living area almost pales in comparison to the first living room which opens through internal French doors to the second.
Capturing the afternoon sun, this living area is of massive proportions, rarely seen in a suburban home.
Again, you can enjoy living on a large scale as it is or continue making some cosmetic changes to suit your own style.
Individually, the living areas are more than generous and together they offer a super-sized opportunity for large and extended families.
There are considerable benefits with having this much room to play with and the short and longterm benefits of having a home that offers this much scope are considerable.
Super-sized rooms continue upstairs with six double bedrooms, one with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite.
The bedrooms also offer a whole lot of options here, from bedrooms with adjoining living areas for older children, extended family to creating new spaces to work from home and enjoying the extensive storage on offer.
If it’s outdoor working space you need, there are three garages to choose from, one of which has a sloping floor to accommodate the boat, a workshop area and an office.
With a considerable amount of renovation already done, you can choose whether to sit back and enjoy the result of all that work or continue to add your touch.
This is one of those properties that will keep repaying the current investment in renovation
as the years go by.
Perfectly placed for Canterbury University, this home enjoys the benefits of a quiet location while being within easy reach of the shops, cafes, transport and services of Ilam and the neighbouring suburbs of Avonhead and Burnside.
Down the road, you’ll find the highly regarded schools of Westburn Primary School, Cobham Intermediate and Burnside High School along with a swift commute to the airport, city and schools.
Homes on this scale, sited on large, rear sections and offering such a high degree of privacy do not come up often in this desirable area and it’s scheduled to go under the hammer next month.
If this is your time to live large, you need to get down to the open home this weekend.