Cottage industry
There’s an art to adding space, writes
Kingsland is one of Auckland’s oldest suburbs and was originally a large farm.
In the 1880s it was subdivided and prices for the sections ranged between £28 ($53) and £100 ($186).
Workers’ cottages were built along First, Second, Third and Fourth Aves.
When construction company owner Brent Varley bought his classic cottage — built in 1890 — nearly 20 years ago, he set out to renovate it.
A few years later he met his partner Sandi Piggin and, following the arrival of their two children, now aged five and eight, Brent picked up his tools again.
But this time the changes he made — completed only recently — were much more dramatic.
“One thing we did was push out at the side to create a second living area, adjacent to where the living, dining and kitchen space was,” says Sandi.
“It has a handy study nook because we know working from home is increasingly popular.”
The kitchen is new and stylish with lots of cupboard space and a view to the huge rear deck with its rustic brick outdoor fireplace.
“One of the things we like the most is the fact that the garden is utterly private,” says Sandi.
“Nobody is looking in on us, and before the children came, we certainly had the occasional party where we played loud music — but there were never any complaints!”
There are four bedrooms towards the front of the house, all with generous wardrobes.
The master suite has period leadlight windows and its adjoining bathroom has a bath and shower.
The main family bathroom lies off the hallway, where an antique set of doors about halfway down denotes where the house used to end.
“Everybody who comes to visit is amazed at how big it is now,” says Sandi.
The couple have kept the original Kauri floorboards in the living areas, although the bedrooms are carpeted.
Other 19th century features that Brent has restored include the front door and golden Kauri ceilings in some of the bedrooms.
Robyn Ellson, from Ray White, is marketing the property, which goes to auction on June 26 at the Sapphire Room, Ponsonby Central.
“This beautifully accomplished villa is the perfect next step for those looking for a spacious and finished city fringe home,” she says.