DRESSED TO PERFECTION

A stylishly modernised character villa sits in an enviable part of Sandringham, writes AMY HOULIHAN.

84 Burnley Terrace

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Auckland couple Mike Harrison and Lou Park, along with their 16-month-old daughter Florrie, have loved the space, garden and family-friendly neighbourhood of their stylishly modernised, Sandringham villa.

Before they bought the house five years ago, it was cruising the neighbourhood on wheels that first attracted them to the area.

“We lived in Balmoral and we used to ride our bikes to Crave for brunch on the weekend. We’d always ride through this area and think ‘man, it would be such a dream to have a house here’,” says Mike.

“Then it was like serendipity – we were about to go on a trip overseas and this place popped up a few days before we were leaving and we managed to get a private viewing.

“We fell in love pretty much as soon as we walked in.

“It’s got that classic Auckland villa layout and an amazing garden at the front, with topiary, bay trees and irises. It’s a very structured, period garden that shows off the front of the house.”

The previous owners had done a major renovation to enhance the original home, pushing it out at the back to create a big open-plan living area with bifolds that open right up onto the deck.

Three double bedrooms are located off the entry hall and are serviced by the master ensuite and family bathroom with bath.

Classic period details throughout have been updated with chic fittings, finishes and features and while Mike and Lou haven’t had to do much, they’ve added a few of their own touches.

“I call Lou the Chief Creative Officer and she's had a real

“The studio out back was a real win for us too, because we’ve got lots of ‘stuff’.”

vision. I’m the doer, I make things happen, but over the last few years she’s found some really cool items to dress the place up.”

As well as an EV charger, the couple has also added a large outdoor umbrella on the deck for added shade in the summer.

The deck steps down to the perfectly flat back lawn and private garden, which has a tropical vibe.

“The thing that really makes it when you get out the back is all the palm trees. The neighbours on both sides have palms as well as this property – on the street it's quite unique,” Mike says.

“The studio out back was a real win for us too, because we’ve got lots of ‘stuff.’

“We’re right into mountain biking, surfing and diving, and we’ve got an infra-red sauna and I also built a big custom ice bath. So having a separate room that was not a garage was great.”

The property’s orientation has also worked beautifully for the family.

“People always talk about wanting your backyard facing north but this house faces south,” Mike says.

“What we’ve loved about that is we’ve got full gas central heating in every room and two big skylights in the living area, so it’s really warm and sunny in winter. Then in summer it’s cool because it doesn't have the sun screaming into the living area in the afternoon, so it’s nice and shady.”

They have also loved the vibe of the area.

“Burnley Terrace is full of young families and the neighbours here are particularly amazing. It’s also of the big Halloween streets,” he says.

“We’re super sad to be leaving – we’ve been in Auckland for 15 years.

“I grew up down south and Lou grew up in Hawke’s Bay. She's an emergency medicine consultant at Middlemore and is a doctor on the chopper, and I run New Zealand’s biggest media agency.

“We’ve had an amazing opportunity to head down to Christchurch and we wouldn’t be selling this place if it wasn’t for that. We’ve managed to link up our jobs down in Christchurch and I’ve got heaps of family down there.”

Listing agent Kane Taylor, from Ray White Ponsonby, is marketing the property with Scott Bartlett.

He says 84 Burnley Terrace has got a great character feel and that the open homes thus far have been very busy.

“That little pocket in there is pretty prized in the area because it’s protected with heritage. I think a key point is that there’s not a lot on the market in and around there at the moment.”

Sale: Auction October 8 Contact: Kane Taylor, Ray White, 021 345 700; Scott Bartlett, 022 098 5160