KEY POINTS:
32 RICHMOND ROAD,
PONSONBY.
As Anna Branchflower waited at the bus shelter in upper Richmond Road, she would look across at the villa at number 32 and think what changes she would make to the house if she owned it.
"It looked so sad and drab. The first thing I thought I would do was fix its bay window. I love doing up period homes and had done a few in Melbourne before we moved to Auckland. I love merging old and new."
When the villa did come on the market, Anna and partner Hamish Peat "pounced". "It came on the market on a Friday and we bought it on the Saturday."
The house had been rented and no efforts were made to spruce it up for the open home. "They didn't even do the dishes," says Anna. "I think the mess turned a lot of people off but we walked in and could see its potential."
Anna and Hamish decided to keep the bedrooms at the front of the house but demolished the darker back rooms. Many of the original windows overlooked the neighbours but didn't bring in much light so they have used high windows and bifold doors in the renovations.
The result is a much lighter living space. "We are south-facing but get so much light." The exterior was treated to a fresh coat of paint and the front and back gardens landscaped.
The villa's two double bedrooms are off each side of the hallway and then, on the right, are the bathroom and study (which could be a third bedroom) before coming out of the corridor area into the open-space living, dining and kitchen area.
The master bedroom's en suite uses a compact space well, with shower, washbasin and toilet, and a skylight bringing in natural light.
The two double bedrooms have a Hafele pulldown wardrobe system in the upper cupboard spaces. The lower drawers are touch push-pull, all finished in matai. Completing the master bedroom is the bay window - now "fixed" and a lovely place to relax with a good book and coffee, says Anna.
All décor is neutral with Dulux Stowe White in the bedrooms and Resene Alabaster through the rest of the interior. Anna and Hamish decided to replace the kauri flooring with Siberian oak, as the kauri had borer damage
The living space is zoned into the different functions of lounge, dining and kitchen. A huge lodge-like fireplace on a concrete slab has replaced the original brick fireplace and hearth. Firewood is stacked on both sides and a large beam, originally from Carlaw Park, allows space for flowers, photos, books and Hamish's trophy deer antlers.
Anna decided on high specs in the kitchen as she and Hamish love cooking and entertain often. She points out the sink's funky Italian flexible tap. "I had my eye on this tap. It's like a sculpture."
Benchtops on either side of the large oven are stainless steel. Dishwasher and microwave are placed out of sight under the kitchen island bench; and the pantry has a sensor light and electric sockets for kitchen utensils.
Bifold doors open out to the deck with its cedar railings and fascia, with steps to the lawn and barbecue.
Anna says: "We designed the house for ourselves as we imagined living here for at least five more years. But then we found out Hamish has been relocated back to Melbourne for his work.
"But I will miss the location and my kitchen. Ponsonby reminds me a bit of Melbourne. I like being close to the shops, bars and cafes; and when we go into the city we walk one way and catch the bus back."
