SCHOOL ZONES:
Richmond Rd Primary, Ponsonby Intermediate, Western Springs and Auckland Girls’ Grammar.
CONTACT:
Ryan Dixon, Ray White, 027 632 3285.
AUCTION:
April 6 (unless sold prior).
You can see two of the best things about this house before you step inside," says Femke Batenburg of the elegant villa she shares with husband Bob and their two little boys.
She's referring to ample parking on the street outside, a rare find in central Auckland, and Grey Lynn Park which is just across the road.
"The only time there's ever a problem with parking is when the Grey Lynn Festival is on."
Bob had recently bought the house when the couple met about 10 years ago. It was run down with a lean-to kitchen, original scrim walls and an off-street carpark that would barely contain a Mini.
"We spent the first 12 months just getting the feel of the place then we launched into renovations."
As an engineer, Bob was well-equipped to handle the project, lining the walls with plasterboard, insulating the house and adding a ventilation system. A smart new kitchen is complemented by a large dining space with huge windows looking towards the charming courtyard beyond.
Bob is a "details" man, according to his wife.
"He can turn his hand to so many things and he always finishes them perfectly," she says.
When a quote for built-in shelves and cupboards around the gas fireplace in the living room shocked them both, Bob did it himself -- very successfully.
"Villas often don't have much storage space but he has managed to fit it in everywhere here."
As well as building large wardrobes and a compact but well-organised laundry, Bob has also lined and carpeted a spacious spot inside the roof, reached via attic stairs in the bright, sunny spare bedroom. It's ideal for suitcases, out-grown toys and other family paraphernalia.
Image 1 of 5: Pretty Grey Lynn villa has Tardis-like storage for modern living. Photos / Ted Baghurst
The main bathroom is large and well-appointed, with a sunken bath and double shower. Although completed a few years ago it's still as-new, with timeless, classic decor.
The master bedroom enjoys a cute, compact en suite and an extra tall walk-in wardrobe.
I can put my out-of-season clothes on the top level, out of the way," Femke says.
The boys' room at the front of the house is bright and fun, with -- needless to say -- a big set of cupboards where toys and clothes are hidden neatly away.
A home office, adjacent to the kitchen with sliding doors to close it off completes the interior layout.
Outside, the house has plenty more to recommend it. At the front there's a single garage, added by Femke and Bob, which blends seamlessly into the house itself. "We had to dig down to do it but we're very pleased that we did," she says.
At the rear, a veranda with louvred roof is ideal for relaxing with friends and family.
The Batenburgs love their covered spa pool and spend a lot of time in it. Beyond that is the courtyard and a good-sized garden shed that could also be used as an artist's studio or playhouse.
Femke claims that she isn't a garden person but the subtropical trees and plants have been very well-tended and are lush and leafy.
It's hard to imagine why a young family would want to leave this gorgeous spot but Bob has a new engineering job -- at Waihi Beach.
"Our two sons are both real water babies and they're going to just love it there," she says.
"We like the idea of living in a small community and it's not too far to drive back to Auckland."
