Exclusive to Devonport
This grand 1880s villa has been architecturally reimagined to such a degree that listing agent Victoria Bidwell, from Bayleys, says that “it’s been completely rebuilt to possibly a higher standard than anything else I’ve seen in Devonport”.
The transformation is a master class in heritage renovation and the residence now showcases a combination of both classic and contemporary design within in its very liveable, flexible spaces.
The 936sqm property, located on the crest of Mays Street, is in an exclusive, central neighbourhood that’s home to a collection of Devonport’s finest properties.
It meets King Edward Parade at its base, the waterfront promenade overlooking the busy harbour and eastern bays.
The owners are a family who had been living internationally for decades and decided in 2019 to come back to New Zealand. Despite being from Hawke’s Bay originally, one of the owners says that they chose Devonport for its village feel.
The brief to local outfit Pavilion Architecture was for this “to be a family home that we could be in forever and use as our base”.
“The kids could go to school and uni and we’d grow old sitting on the porch really. The kids went to Devonport Primary and it’s really handy for getting in and out of the CBD for work – it was a fantastic spot to live,” he says.
Everything is within easy walking distance from here – a choice of beaches, parks, the mountain and all the boutiques, bars, shops, eateries and ferry of the village.
Stylish interiors are filled with light and exquisitely balanced, with the significant scale enhancing the sense of space in every room. Elegant white walls are anchored with oak herringbone flooring, with the dazzling city and water views – from the harbour bridge all the way around to the base of North Head – taking centre stage upstairs.
“The goal was to open up the whole side of the house that looks at the harbour – you can pick any seat along there, sit down with your coffee and look out at the water. That’s the bit I’m going to miss the most.”
A series of open formal and casual living spaces extend along this side, with a glass Living Flame gas fireplace suspended within the wall a unique feature. The expansive chef’s kitchen has an open scullery and is equipped with Wolf and Subzero appliances.
Also on this main living level is the expansive master suite. It has a big bay window and doors going out onto the deck, as well as a luxury dressing room/wardrobe and ensuite.
From here, double doors open into the office, which is living room-sized. It has French doors that go out to a deck on the northern side, plus a Living Flame gas fire.
The more modern ground floor was completely reworked for the kids. It features two bedrooms that each have ensuites and flow out to the lawn and garden, a central lounge/games room that opens out poolside, and a fully-equipped home cinema.
Also on this level is a self-contained guest suite that was created with extended family and long-term visitors in mind.
They’re selling the property because fate intervened and the family have since relocated to the UK. “It’s been a gut wrenching decision for everybody, but it’s the right thing to do.”
Bidwell says this is a beautiful, classic home. “The layout makes sense, everything flows and there’s been no compromise on quality anywhere. It’s an exceptional opportunity for Devonport.”