In inner-city suburbs such as Westmere lie remarkable examples of heritage buildings that have been brought cleverly and seamlessly into a new age.
And 27 Kingsley St, at almost 100 years old, is one of them, close to the park and the sea, yet only a short walk from buzzing Ponsonby and Grey Lynn.
"When we bought the house five years ago, it had already been fully renovated to a very high standard," says Carlene Perris, who lives here with her daughters, Ella, 6, Sienna, 4, and their bulldog, Monty.
"We've redecorated it quite extensively but the structure is essentially the same as it was in 2010," she says.
Tucked away safely behind security gates on a modest but hardworking 455sq m section, the property has plenty to commend it.
Beyond the formal Italian-style gardens at the front of the property, and its handsome main entrance, the house is cool and breezy. It has a wide entrance hall, three generous bedrooms; the master boasting an en suite and a large walk-in wardrobe.
The girls' rooms are spacious and have ample storage, loads of sunshine and plenty of room for play.
The two bathrooms were definitely one of the selling points when the family found this property after returning from the UK, Carlene says, and it's not hard to see why.
The main bathroom has a spectacular and elegant oval bath. There's designer tapware and under-floor heating, plus an invigorating showerhead and even a sound system, for the ultimate in luxury bathing.
One of the house's most impressive features is its large kitchen, brought right up to date, colour-wise, by Carlene. A scullery beyond incorporates the laundry.
"I've heard that sculleries are the next big must-have things, and I'm not surprised," she says.
"The renovation of this house was definitely geared towards entertaining and with two extra sinks out there, plus masses of storage, it's been a huge plus for us."
Image 1 of 5: Cool and breezy 100-year-old has plenty of space and a bathroom to luxuriate in. Photos / Ted Baghurst
The back yard is utterly private thanks to its lush, high hedges and is home to a thriving vegetable garden, plus a paved patio area, where the family likes to relax.
"Our favourite thing is riding our scooters out there and having picnics," says Ella.
The concrete slabs, which make up the patio, are sun-drenched and retain heat during the day, which in turn helps keep the house cosy and warm in winter.
"Apart from that, all we need is the gas fireplace in the living room and there's an HRV system too," says Carlene, who works four days a week as a speech therapist at Auckland Hospital.
"It's a very nice friendly neighbourhood," she says.
"There's a lot of change going on around us and new shops are popping up all the time."
If you don't want to use your car, it's only a short walk to buy groceries, enjoy a coffee or browse in the local boutiques.
"The local primary school is great and this is definitely the kind of neighbourhood where kids can still ride their bikes around the streets and you know that they're safe."
At this stage Carlene isn't sure if she and the girls will stay in the immediate area, or perhaps move further beyond.
"I'm a philosophical person and I'm sure that whatever happens will be good," she says.
