SCHOOL ZONES:
Freemans Bay School, Ponsonby Intermediate, Auckland Girls Grammar, Western Springs College
CONTACT:
Jan George, 0274 784 119, or Aaron Haabjoern, 021 469 226, Ray White
Shortly after Wendy bought her 1970s Freemans Bay home two years ago, an acquaintance mentioned that many decades before, when he was in the seventh form at school, his geography class had gone on a field trip to look at the recently built dwellings and been told, "This is the housing of the future."
Then, the two-level terraced townhouse was part of an exciting new urban development, but by the time Wendy and her family became the new owners in 2014 it had become a bit of a throwback to a bygone era, with its smoky glass and tobacco-coloured walls. However, Wendy has managed to bring it well and truly into the 21st century, creating a smart, contemporary and elegant home that will stand the test of time.
The family was downsizing from a bigger house when they bought it and had been considering apartment living, but Wendy quickly realised that the Wellington St house was a much better alternative.
"It still had the ability to lock up and leave, and good security -- there are codes on both front and back entrances -- but it had a lot more space than many apartments, including outdoor space. I could instantly see us living here."
Wendy could also see what needed to be done to transform it, and hired architect Jason Bailey to help her bring her ideas to life.
"I've worked with Jason before and wouldn't use anyone else," she said. "He has an amazing ability to use every inch of space -- nothing is wasted."
The solid concrete house has been given a top-to-toe makeover. Because it needed rewiring, all the interior walls have been re-framed. All the windows are brand new, with stylish matte black joinery and double glazing.
"The one thing that worried me about this place was that it might be noisy, but with the double glazing, you just don't hear a thing," says Wendy.
The layout was largely reconfigured both upstairs and down to make the most of the space, and the flooring is now a mix of American oak floorboards, top quality carpet and porcelain tiles.
"It is virtually a new house," says Wendy.
Moving the kitchen from the front to the back of the house left her with space she turned into an extra room she calls "my night room".
"At night I like to be in a room that is smaller and cosy, where you can go to read or watch TV," she explains. This room could also be an office, children's playroom or extra bedroom.
The striking new designer kitchen features sleek white cabinetry with a black splashback and special touches like pull-out shelves in a corner cupboard, integrated fridge and dishwasher, a matte black sink and Philippe Starck tapware.
Wendy paid a lot of attention to detail, even concealing the power points in cupboards or a pop-column in the bench. "I like to be able to keep everything away," she says. "I'm quite particular."
Image 1 of 8: 149 Wellington St, Freemans Bay, Auckland. Photo / Ted Baghurst.
The kitchen and adjoining living area is light and bright thanks to a wall of glass doors that open out to a sunny and sheltered courtyard. A single garage has been replaced with a large double one that is accessed from a lane behind the house.
Also downstairs is an office that is cleverly tucked under the stairs and a powder room/laundry/storage cupboard.
The upstairs layout was rearranged to utilise wasted space on the landing.
There are three double bedrooms, the master with a generous wardrobe and large en suite that has a separate shower and a stylish bath. Both the en suite and the main bathroom have "flip" showerheads that provide different types of water jets.
All fixtures and fittings are top quality, and the whole house has a luxurious feel.
The location has also made it a great place to live, says Wendy, who enjoys being an easy walk from Ponsonby Rd, Wynyard Quarter and the city. It also helps having New World Victoria Park a few minutes away.
But she has decided it is time to satisfy an urge to travel, which means selling the house. She'll miss the handy location, the fact it's so easy-care and the view of the city, which is particularly spectacular at night.
