Box seat for rosy Ponsonby sunsets

10 Ponsonby Terrace, Ponsonby. Photo / Getty Images

10 Ponsonby Terrace, Ponsonby

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SIZE: Land 463sq m (approx), house 246sq m (approx).

PRICE INDICATION: Based on recent sales in Ponsonby, expected value $1.5 million-plus. Auction October 4.

INSPECT: Sunday 2.15-3.15pm or by appointment.

ON THE WEB: rwponsonby.co.nz/ PON21238

SCHOOL ZONES: Ponsonby Primary, Ponsonby Intermediate, Auckland Girls' Grammar, Western Springs College.

CONTACT: Kym Aikin, ph 021 596 222 and Tricia Lafferty, ph 021 611 205, Ray White Ponsonby.

FEATURES: Generous-size home with self-contained area that could be rented. Sunny balcony, private, fully fenced backyard. Walk to Ponsonby Rd. Secure off-street for 2 cars

A view of Waitakere Ranges paired with the charms of Ponsonby Rd make this renovated bungalow the ultimate inner-city family home.

"We get amazing sunsets," says Wayne, standing on the balcony of the three-level home he shares with wife Liz and three teenage children. "This place is a real sun-trap."

When the couple bought the property six years ago, it needed a lot of work, says Liz. "But we could see its potential."

She says when they first moved in it didn't feel like a home, so they set about making it one.

"It had an old, country-style kitchen. We've put in these bifold doors, which have just opened the place right up," she says pointing out the light that floods the new, streamlined kitchen and informal lounge and filters through to a more formal space with a large dining area.

White walls and dark, polished matai flooring make for a smart neutral canvas throughout.

Central to the formal living area is a fireplace and entertainment system with discreet shelving that doesn't disrupt the flow from formal to informal spaces.

"It's set up for entertaining," says Liz.

And with three teenage children, the home has served the family well in terms of space. "At one stage we had a child on each level."

The master bedroom on the main floor has been reworked to include a walk-in wardrobe, en suite and recessed entry.

A second double bedroom is also on this level while upstairs another bedroom and study have been used as office space for the couple to work from home.

Downstairs, Liz reveals a room she says she will really miss.

"Have you ever seen a laundry this big?" she asks, pointing out a large storage space from which a workshop under the house is reached. The pair suggests it would be ideal for gym gear and had at one point kept a sauna here.

The ground floor features two more bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen and a living area, which opens out to a pretty garden via bifold doors.

The set-up has been a great place for the children and their friends but could also be used as a separate residence.

"It could be rented as a two-bedroom unit," says Wayne.

"It's nice and private down here. It has a separate alarm system, a set-up for a laundry and external access."

The house has been converted to gas, fully fenced and gated with two off-street parking spaces.

"It's a really safe place. We've never had any problems."

The couple admit they are sad to be leaving the area but with two children at school in Takapuna and a son with a promising future in rugby that requires several extra trips over the bridge each week, they're moving to the Shore.

The home's proximity to Ponsonby Rd has provided a lifestyle the family will miss.

"We're Ponsonby people," says Liz. "We've been in the area for about 10 years. We'll miss this house and its location; it's just fantastic.

"You can walk over to Nosh, or walk home from dinner. Tole Park is roughly four doors down and up a walkway in the opposite direction. The Ponsonby Community Centre and day care are down the road. It's very much a family street."