Cool, converted and charming in Mt Eden

35 Walters Road, Mt Eden. Photo / Ted Baghurst

35 WALTERS RD MT EDEN

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SIZE: Land 622sq m; house approx 192sq m

PRICE INDICATION: Similar properties nearby have sold in the $950,000 to $1.4 million range. Auction February 16 (unless sold prior).

INSPECT: Sun/Wed 12-12.30pm.

ON THE WEB: www.bayleys.co.nz/ 4101623

SCHOOL ZONES: Mt Albert School, Kowhai Intermediate, Auckland Girls' Grammar, Mt Albert Grammar.

CONTACT: Andrea Ritchie, Bayleys Auckland Central, wk ph 375 7410, mob 021 906 793.

FEATURES: Fully renovated character bungalow with a smart contemporary- traditional interior and sunny living opening to a spacious north-facing, landscaped garden. Good storage and double garaging backed by additional off-street parking.

It seems fitting that a former All Black's granddaughter has helped hone to perfection this smart bungalow opposite Eden Park.

Fiona Schnuriger and her husband Murray found the 1920s bungalow in mid-2002 after they returned from living in London, and before they had their two daughters Aimee (now 5 years old) and Zoe (aged 3).

"The first thing we were looking for was location," says Fiona. "Having lived in London we wanted somewhere where you could walk to all the amenities and it's easy to walk to local restaurants, bars and the supermarket from here.

"By the time I'd walked through the front couple of bedrooms, I knew I was in love. It's got really good-sized rooms, a strong, simple layout and is really easy to live in." The couple were also impressed by the property's section size.

Fiona's grandfather John Leeson debuted as an All Black in 1934. She and Murray are rugby fans so the close proximity to Eden Park was an added bonus. "It's a prime position for the rugby and we've hosted lots of pre- and post-rugby dos. We've found it can be quicker to nip home at half-time to go to the toilet than to wait in the queues."

The previous owners had already nicely renovated the home, extending its rear. But with Fiona being an architect, it was inevitable the couple would want to incorporate their own style. They added the front fence and double garage, which has doors at both ends to access off-street parking for three cars (or a boat) down the side of the home. Both bathrooms were redecorated throughout, gas central heating and air conditioning added , and the landscaping altered to a more classical style.

The property has lovely street appeal, partly thanks to a smart front timber fence with a gate that echos the leadlight gracing the front door.

Polished kauri floors gleam throughout the hallway, family bathroom and kitchen area.

The three bedrooms all have chandeliers; two have double wardrobes; and the couple added cabinetry incorporating kauri in the master bedroom. Fiona's particularly fond of the ensuite with its traditional white brick tiles teamed with grey marble floor tiles, big rain shower-head, another chandelier and underfloor heating. It's supported by a stylish family bathroom.

The north-facing rear of the home is the living hub. A television room adjoins the sunny open-plan kitchen-dining living area which opens wide to the patio and sizeable backyard.

The contemporary kitchen already had its aubergine glass splashback, stainless bench and breakfast bar but the couple updated it with a gas hob and handsome taps. Two big cupboards off the dining area contain the laundry and a built-in office.

The patio has built-in side seating and ample room for outdoor dining.

Next to it is a good-sized level lawn. The quartet of sleeper-rimmed vege gardens include one where Aimee and Zoe like to tend flowers with their Dad's help.

Fiona says the locale just keeps getting better, with underground power and telephone lines, and footpaths plus other public areas upgraded in anticipation of this year's Rugby World Cup.

"We're going to miss the thrill and excitement of game atmosphere."