Clean lines give fresh appeal

7 Westmoreland Street East, Grey Lynn. Photo/Fiona Goodall

7, WESTMORELAND ST EAST, GREY LYNN

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SIZE: Land 703sq m, house 196sq m (approx).

PRICE INDICATION: CV $1.98 million.

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 1-1.30pm.

ON THE WEB: www.rwponsonby.co.nz/PON22709

SCHOOL ZONES: Richmond Rd Primary School, Ponsonby Intermediate, Western Springs College, Auckland Girls’ Grammar.

CONTACT: Sue Hatton, Ray White, 376 2186 or 027 279 9696.

AUCTION: June 24.

It all started with the bath. Ray and Imogen Brown had been planning on renovating their Grey Lynn villa but it became a matter of urgency three-and-a half years ago when Imogen become pregnant and desperately wanted to be able to have long soaks in a tub -- which their house didn't have.

But it wasn't just a simple matter of putting in a bath. They decided to overhaul all of the house, and started planning an extensive project that would see just about the whole property transformed.

Imogen never did get to ease her pregnancy aches and pains in the bath -- daughter Millie had already arrived by the time work was begun.

They shifted out for three months when Millie was a newborn and while builders and tradesmen took over their home, but it was worth the upheaval. The house they returned to was a stunning, spacious, light and warm, family friendly home.

Millie has just celebrated her 3rd birthday and the Browns have enjoyed three fabulous years of living in their dream home. Apart from two bedrooms on the western side of the house, everything else is practically brand new.

The master bedroom was remodelled and a fireplace removed to create room for an en suite and a walk-in wardrobe. There's also a fourth bedroom plus a new tiled family bathroom -- with bathtub -- and a separate laundry.

"I've loved that, because before you had to go under the house to the laundry," says Imogen.

The front of the house is hugely improved but it's the rear extension that gives it the wow factor. The back of the house has been rebuilt to a design by AJ Sutton of Metropolitan Architecture Studio and there's now a stylish contemporary cedar-clad addition that houses the living area, dining space and kitchen.

It's a big space and the 3m stud makes it feel even bigger. Keen cook Imogen says the kitchen has been a dream. It features a huge composite stone island, a striking copper splashback behind the cook top and a large walk-in pantry, "where you can keep any mess hidden out of sight".

Two walls of sliding glass doors let the light flood in and also allow the house to be opened up to the large north-facing deck and private rear garden.

"We'd probably spend eight months of the year on the deck, it's like another room," says Imogen. "It's been great for entertaining and for Millie to play on."

Steps lead down to the flat and private back garden, which they say was just crying out for a swimming pool. "We are both originally from the South Island and we loved the idea of having a pool," says Imogen. It's heated so it gets a lot of use.

The house has abundant storage, including a huge lined loft and a large storage room that can double as a wine cellar, along with internal access from the garage.

Ray and Imogen, who bought the house in 2008, have loved living in the area. Farro Fresh gourmet supermarket is just through a walkway at the end of their no-exit street while the Richmond Rd Countdown is also an easy walk. They're close to great parks, including Coxs Bay, and the bars and restaurants of Ponsonby Rd. "We walk everywhere, or else it is a very cheap taxi ride," says Imogen.

They had no plans to leave but Ray's job is taking them to Melbourne, so they're bidding the house a sad farewell.