CHARACTER AND STREET APPEAL
Behind the picket fence is a light, bright, well-laid-out home, writes LOUISE RICHARDSON
After six happy years, Greg and Chrystel feel that they’ve done everything they can to their attractive weatherboard bungalow. It has carefully maintained character features and a white picket fence in a quiet, leafy street in Mount Eden.
Among their many projects there was a bold move to extend the house significantly, taking it from 90sq m to 155sq m.
“The house is now laid out really well and flows nicely,” says Chrystel, who is French and brought a strong European sense of style to the renovations.
She and Greg added a second lounge, along with a luxurious principal suite, which enjoys a walk-in wardrobe and elegant bathroom. Both this lounge and main bedroom open via bifold doors to the patio.
There are three further bedrooms, all generous in size, light and sunny, and an openplan kitchen with high-quality appliances, loads of bench space and lots of cupboards for storage. It segues into the dining area and on to the family/media room which has a projector and surround sound.
The decor throughout the home is light and bright, yet subtle and understated.
During the alterations a single garage was joined to the side of the house with internal access and space for the laundry.
The house has notable green credentials too.
“We tried to make as many aspects as possible, sustainable,” says Chrystel.
Extensive insulation, a ventilation system, a heat pump and re-using rainwater all help reduce power bills while going easy on the planet.
Chrystel says that Calgary Rd is part of a very friendly neighbourhood and enjoys easy access to the exotic spice stores in Sandringham, the bustling eateries at Balmoral, the new Cazador Delicatessen and a regular bus service on Dominion Rd.
Auckland’s city centre is an easy drive away, as is the airport, via the motorway.
It’s also in zone for a number of good schools including Edendale Primary School, Balmoral Intermediate School and Mount Albert Grammar.
She and Greg are selling up because they feel like taking on a new renovation, hopefully somewhere nearby, with a little more room for their two children who are aged 5 and 9.
Abbey Davis and Richard Humphreys from Harcourts in Epsom say that feedback from potential buyers has been overwhelmingly positive, with Richard admitting that of all the homes he’s marketed, this is possibly his favourite.
“It has such a cool vibe to it, yet they’ve also kept its character and its street appeal.”
He says that clever use of skylights means that the dark hallways often found in bungalows are not a problem here.
Abbey notes that the property is incredibly peaceful and private both inside and out.
“It’s so perfect there’s absolutely nothing for a new owner to do except bring their furniture and move in!” says Richard. Auction: September 30 Contact: Abbey Davis, Harcourts 027 464 5121; Richard Humphreys, 021 893 310