Added value - Devonport

Address: 7 First Avenue, Devonport

We had very strong, healthy backs when we moved in here but we don't now,'' says Kirsty Hewitt, recalling how much work she and husband Peter did to knock their waterfront property into shape.

Despite the kauri villa being rundown and the section overgrown, they bought the property eight years ago because they liked the large site.

``It was on the market for about a year but there was so much to do to it that it put people off,'' says Kirsty.

``Everyone thought, `Amazing site but the place is a shocker'. The section was so overgrown you couldn't even get down to the water.''

Taming the section involved hours of back-breaking labour getting rid of bamboo, pampas and privet.

``When we started clearing out the bit down to the water we couldn't even get in there - we had to access it through the neighbour's place,'' says Kirsty.

Now, paths take you under the pohutukawa and down the bank through natives such as cabbage trees to a clearing at the bottom near the shore and a little jetty.

The house also came in for some major attention with the help of architect Fraser Gillies. A sunroom on the northwestern corner was removed to create a large wraparound verandah.

The lean-to at the rear was knocked down and replaced with an open plan kitchen and living area in keeping with the home's character.

The kitchen occupies a corner of this grand space and has stainless steel benches that join a long wooden breakfast bar.

The living area opens on to the west-facing deck with views across the water to Bayswater Marina and the city beyond.

``We have dinner out here just about every night - it's stunning,'' says Kirsty.

On the eastern side of the house at the rear, another bedroom was added and this overlooks the smart in-ground pool that sits in a sheltered paved courtyard. It's quite private and an ideal spot for barbecues.

At the front of the house is a bay-windowed master bedroom with en suite that the Hewitts use as a guest bedroom. Opposite that is another large bedroom.

Further along the hallway's kauri floorboards is the new bathroom the couple put in which has been fitted out with a built-in bath and wood panelling in keeping with the home's vintage.

On the opposite side of the hallway is the formal lounge with a modern open fire. This also has views across the harbour, and opens on to the verandah.

Kirsty says the home has been a ``fantastic place'' to bring up their three children.

``The kids have learnt to waterski and wakeboard here and there's a little snapper hole around the corner where they can go fishing. It's a very safe neighbourhood where all the school kids get together to play.''

With the hard work all done, the Hewitts are selling up to pursue a quieter lifestyle in Wanaka where they have bought land and will build a new home.

VITAL STATISTICS

BEDROOMS: 4

BATHROOMS: 2

GARAGES: 2

SIZE: Land 1973sqm, house 285sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: Interest expected above CV of $2.1 million. Tender closes September 29.

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 1-1.45pm; Weds 5-7pm.

ON THE WEB: www.harcourts.co.nz # DP060816

CONTACT: Glenice Taylor or Gary Potter, Harcourts, ph 445 4005 bus, Glenice 021 943 021, Gary 021 953 021.

FEATURES: Handsome Edwardian villa tastefully renovated to make the most of its generous proportions. Flows outdoors to north-facing verandah and west-facing deck. Large lawn, swimming pool and walkways through native plantings to waterfront. Gas central heating.