FUNCTIONAL AND FUN

A thoughtful renovation balancing character and lifestyle produced an elegant villa of remarkable quality in Auckland’s Grey Lynn, writes GABRIELLE NOOIJEN.

GREY LYNN 32 Elgin Street 4 2 2

When seeking out their next phase home five years ago, Jen and Jonathan Sergel say the countless features of 32 Elgin Street, Grey Lynn appealed to them - counting its functionality, single level living, and meticulous renovation amongst them.

“We came across this house and were sold on the open plan layout. Being a bit of a neat freak, I was secretly stoked with the scullery and all the hall and wardrobe storage, our last house had been a small bungalow with no cupboards, so I was on the lookout for these functional aspects.

“For Jonathan he was all about the indoor-outdoor flow to the back yard and pool,” Jen says.

The pair’s polished northwest facing villa has taken them seamlessly from life as a couple to a family with a young child.

“When we first moved in, we were childless and big entertainers, the open layout made for some great social occasions. Now that we have a toddler, the secure indoor/ outdoor flow is magical, we have so many spaces to choose from,” she says.

A chef’s kitchen with a supplementary butler’s pantry and large living area, which with the slide of a door converts into two spaces of a media room and living room, stream onto the landscaped garden, entertaining area with a LouvreTec cover and a pool.

Completed with four large bedrooms, the home has provided the young family with space, style and function in equal measure.

The considered renovation preserved the high stud ceilings and charm one would expect in a classic villa, but with the addition of high spec materials and modern elements, including central and underfloor heating.

“The house has been finished beautifully, with marble bench tops, French oak floors, plush carpet, and amazing stone tile bathrooms, so we’ve taken care to look after it.”

Reflecting on the couple’s favourite areas of the home, Jen says, “The front room which we’ve converted into a kids’ playroom gets sunshine all day long. Plus the back end of the house which opens out onto the backyard and pool area, you can’t fault it.”

“The property encapsulates the ideal Grey Lynn family home. It reminds you of all the things we love about living and selling in our area.”

“We’re two minutes away from Grey Lynn Park, only a few minutes’ walk away from the Grey Lynn shops and at the other end of Williamson Ave is Ponsonby Road, so we can be in the absolute thick of it all, or we can retreat to our peaceful oasis for quality family time.”

The property, to be sold by deadline sale, is listed by Amy Wildman and Matt O’Brien.

Amy notes, “The property encapsulates the ideal Grey Lynn family home. It reminds you of all the things we love about living and selling in our area. Buyers have commented that this is what they are looking for. There is nothing to do because everything has been done, and to a high standard.” Sale: Deadline sale, June 2 Contact: Matt O’Brien, Jervois & Co, 021 687 866; Amy Wildman 021 426 926