The advertising for this Remuera home says it's on the market for the first time in 40 years — but that's because Katrina Bell and her husband Patrick bought it from his parents around 20 years ago.
"It must have seemed a bit funny to our two daughters, Frances and Jessica, who were teenagers then, because one minute it was their grandparents' home when they were little, and then we moved into it ourselves," says Katrina.
Retaining much of its early 20th century charm, the weatherboard villa with a tiled roof is an ideal display space for the antique furniture Katrina and Patrick have inherited. It has high, ornate ceilings and period features such as the french doors, which open to a private front garden.
The lounge and formal dining room have changed little over the years, but there is a new kitchen at the rear of the house that Katrina says has been a delight. "Put it this way, it was something that really needed to be done."
Light and bright, with ample bench and cupboard space, the kitchen incorporates a laundry. Beyond it lies a sun room which Patrick uses as his office, but it could easily be a family room as it opens to a new outside deck.
