SCHOOL ZONES:
Remuera Intermediate, Victoria Ave Primary.
CONTACT:
Gary Wallace, Bayleys, 0274 988 585.
AUCTION:
Wednesday, May 6.
For most families, living through a renovation is a hair-tearing experience, best forgotten quickly. But Michelle and Craig Boyle seem to have thrived on bringing their 1920s bungalow into the 21st century.
"It was a lovely three-bed house, but we knew it just needed a lot of care and attention," says Michelle. "We were really sold on it when we stepped out the back and saw the views from the old deck."
The couple bought the house on the slopes because of those views -- out across the treetops to Hobson Bay, and iconic Rangitoto Island behind. But they've also learned to love their central location. A few doors away is a park which delivers them straight into Newmarket. Down the hill is Shore Rd and the network of waterfront walking trails around Parnell's edges.
The boys could walk to school or Parnell, public transport is only a couple of blocks away. The property is neatly sited up the street so that nobody is looking into anyone else's backyard.
But the Boyles' backyard is no longer so private: it has become famous in sporting circles, as the bottom lawn. Framed by decks and trees, it was the set for The Cricket Show for several seasons.
The family's two boys and their mates were stoked, and have used the spot to host Kings vs Grammar vs Sacred Heart games.
Michelle just laughs that it is just one of the many spots in the terraced gardens that she can sit in quietly with a gin -- another paved platform above the cricket "grounds" holds outdoor sofas for summer lounging. The sheltered deck off the kitchen and dining room is a great year-round eating spot, while the paved courtyard sheltered behind a high fence at the entrance to the house is a pretty spot for morning coffee.
But, with two busy teenage boys, loads of friends coming and going, the original wee bungalow was going to need a makeover. Craig has a lot of project management experience, so was happy to oversee this one, designed by architect Ricardo Eyherabide.
The couple had worked on the landscaping, done some basic painting, but the renovation eight years ago thoroughly attacked the entire house. The front was pretty enough to stay as it was -- windows, ceiling beams, doors were all intact.
Two generous double bedrooms were ideal for the boys, the third was knocked through to create a double sitting room (which could easily be closed back if needed as the original proportions are still there).
The family lived in the front of the house, using the downstairs laundry bench as a "kitchen" while work went on around them.
It was at the back of the house that the architect worked miracles: a former warren of a kitchen, bathroom, laundry and a rumpty deck were knocked down and replaced by a huge, cathedral-ceilinged great room.
Image 1 of 7: This sweet property has evolved into a voluptuous grandstand with harbour views
Ricardo cleverly stepped this space down half a level to stay within height-to-boundary and still create the great room volume. Underneath this space he created room for a double garage -- there's room at the back for a table tennis table and storage for water-sports gear (essential for a family so close to parks and beaches).
The old floors were not good enough, so were replaced in the original front rooms with a chocolate-stained oak to match the new rooms. Wiring, insulation, plumbing and roofing were all replaced.
The former kitchen was made into a luxury bathroom, complete with spa-like tiles and a rainhead shower. The kitchen wraps around the view side of the house, opening on to a deck, so is a real sun magnet: a long breakfast bar means the whole family can take in the view while they get ready for their day. The house is heated, but for winter there is the glow of a gas fire.
Downstairs, a rumpus room was perfect for the boys and their mates' movie nights. There's also a full-sized laundry and, tucked in every spare corner of the house, neatly designed storage.
The crowning glory is the master suite, which Ricardo pushed out into the roof. He added another luxury bathroom, acres of storage in a walk-in closet and, best of all, a sheltered deck, which hovers over that view.
Michelle says this is her favourite haven in the house, where she can enjoy the birdlife flying past at treetop level and watch paddleboarders on busy Hobson Bay below. The Boyles' meticulous attention to detail includes having copies made of an original leadlight window for the stairwell and upstairs bedroom -- a visible sign of the craftsmanship underpinning the house.
Michelle and Craig admit they're sad about leaving. But both boys have left home, the couple know it's time to downsize their city pad to something just for them and create a family gathering spot at a beach place. No doubt with room for a decent cricket pitch.
