PERFECT, WITH PERSONALITY
A lot of thought has gone into retaining the original character while enlarging and modernising the living spaces, writes LOUISE RICHARDSON
Carol and Liam were actually looking for a property in Ponsonby or Grey Lynn but hadn’t been able to find anything that worked for them and it was by pure chance that they were visiting a friend in Gribblehirst Rd, saw the open home sign and checked out what was to become their home for 16 years.
The bungalow was very small, but it was light, bright and warm.
“We lived there for longer than intended, prior to the big renovation, partly because we wanted to be very sure we were doing the right thing — retaining the original character while enlarging and modernising the living spaces.
“It’s a full-size section but there was no indoor-outdoor flow. We had always admired John Irving’s work and his distinctive design aesthetic so we asked him to interpret our ideas and what he came up with was perfect.”
Carol, Liam, their daughter and dog lived for six months in a porta-unit in the garden while work was being carried out.
The house has doubled in size. It still has three bedrooms but there are two bathrooms now, and two living areas.
John’s design provided a seamless transition between the original house and the new part. Where the mata¯ı floors end and the American oak ones begin is marked with a dramatic bespoke sliding door.
Carol is also very pleased with the roof windows which flood the house with sunshine.
“I especially love the kitchen one because you can watch the clouds roll by when you’re eating your breakfast toast!”
The kitchen is spacious and wellequipped, and the joinery is classic and timeless. It segues seamlessly to the deck via giant doors which are almost always open in summer. Carol and Liam have kept their furnishing and colour schemes very simple because the home has so much personality in itself.
“Because we were building it for ourselves, we did everything to the highest standards,” she says.
Landscaper Mike Thomas designed the garden, which is bursting with native trees and bushes and acts as a magnet to local birdlife.
88 Gribblehirst Rd is just a few minutes’ drive from Westfield Saint Lukes and within easy walking distance of the train station at Kingsland.
Carol says the friendly community was a great place to be living during the Rugby World Cup. “We were very popular with our friends who came to us for pre-celebrations and often post ones too!”
She and Liam are planning a change of pace and moving to Central Otago.
Robyn Ellson from Ray White, Mount Eden, is loving seeing the streets around Eden Park coming into their own.
“There are so many great houses around here and this one is especially amazing — who would expect to see such fantastic architecture behind a very attractive bungalow facade?” she asks.
“The property is close to the new Morningside Precinct, buzzy Kingsland Village and Mount Eden — and it’s in zone for Balmoral School and MAGS — this really is extra special!” Sale: Auction March 3 Contact: Robyn Ellson, Ray White, 021 800 891