It's hard to believe the building is around 80 years old, because the Yocks have turned it into something that's essentially a renovated, traditional, classic villa -- inside a mostly newly re-clad shell.
Simon and Sarah first laid eyes on the property 10 years ago, when their eldest child Isabella was a baby.
"We came from a little bungalow in Mount Eden," she says.
"Simon had grown up around here so perhaps it was a natural thing for him to come back, and we were certainly up for a challenge."
Nowadays the family consists of Simon and Sarah, Isabella and her younger siblings Sebastian and Charlotte. And of course the pets: dogs Millie and Max, and cats Lola and Chester.
The house has been completely transformed, to a high standard, and Sarah has project-managed the entire process more-or-less by herself.
"I knew exactly what I wanted," she says.
The property lies behind security gates, with keyless access. The front door has number 27 elegantly etched onto its glass.
Off the wide, bright hallway are the children's rooms; Sebastian's is boyish, while Charlotte's is a symphony of pink, and Isabella's contemporary pad includes her very own walk-in wardrobe.
What could potentially be a fifth bedroom is currently being used as a home office.
The separate laundry is a true nod to convenience and it also has a toilet and basin.
"This is around about where the kitchen used to be," says Simon. The ground level also enjoys a separate lounge/media room and a family bathroom to die for. "I wanted it to be practical as well as attractive," says Sarah.
Image 1 of 10: Discovering a beach villa packed full of traditional touches. Photos / Michelle Hyslop
And it certainly fits the bill. The elegant bath and shower in the family bathroom lie adjacent, behind a glass screen. "So that the kids can splash as much as they like," she explains.
The kitchen, dining and main living area is the home's piece de resistance.
A large, airy space contains high-gloss lacquer kitchen cupboards, a double oven, hidden upright freezer, wine fridge, induction cook hobs and standard fridge/freezer.
What's more, most of these items are included in the chattels that accompany the sale of the house.
"We're going to be starting again, so it just made sense," says Simon.
Also in this space is an island bar, around which friends have gathered on many special occasions, and a dining zone which flows seamlessly to the living area with its fireplace and sensational pressed-tin decorative ceiling, which Sarah imported from Australia.
It's hard to cover the myriad details of this remarkable property, which also enjoys extensive outdoor decking with built-in barbecue, but it's vital to mention the top floor: a master bedroom suite with walk-in wardrobe, en suite and wonderful views, before turning to the neighbourhood.
"This is quite simply the best community I've ever lived in," says Sarah.
"I go to the beach every morning with the dogs and see loads of lovely, local people.
"We have street parties, babysitters, endless visits from neighbourhood kids and, of course, we're just metres from the water. It doesn't get much better than that."
Simon, Sarah and family are moving -- but not far -- to do it all again.
