PRIDE AND JOY
Herne Bay villa tells the story of changes over 100 years, writes CATHERINE MASTERS
HERNE BAY 21 Ardmore Road
This early 1900s villa in Herne Bay has gone from being a period build, to three one-bedroom flats in the 1960s/70s, to a family home with an extension out the back.
Interior designer Sarah Foote and her family bought 21 Ardmore Rd — which goes to auction on November 13 — four years ago.
Sarah embarked on a full interior renovation —“it’s a new house in a hundred-year-old body” — and adding generous decking.
There are four bedrooms off the hallway, or five if you count the room the family uses as a second lounge, which has French doors.
The master bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe and en suite and there is a big family bathroom with herringbone floor tiles.
The extension has double bifold doors and tons of light, and there’s a picture window positioned at the end of the hallway.
The entertainer’s kitchen has a scullery/laundry and features deep cupboards. The floors are light American oak and there’s a single garage and off-street parking.
Agent Edward Pack, from Bayleys, says the lawn – there’s a beagle-proofed back yard – is big enough for a pool and the house is elevated so you can see all the way to the Waitakeres.
“The house sits proud above the street and it flows out and is really elevated so when you look out from your living you actually get to see a view.”
Sarah says she has lightened every surface and used cararra marble at the tiled entrance and in the bathrooms and kitchen.
She didn’t touch the layout, loving the extra wide hallway with its archway and the high ceilings with their decorative roses.
The house has plenty of storage and there’s a pull down ladder to access the ceiling space, and the location is an easy stroll to the shops, cafes and dog park.
Edward says the location is perfect and he has always admired the house. “It’s on a wider site than others in the street, gets a huge amount of sun and also has privacy.
“This is as good as it gets. When you’re in here you do feel like you’re in a special home.” Auction: November 13 Contact: Edward Pack, Bayleys, 021 428 241