Court some character in Onehunga

64 Normans Hill Road, Onehunga. Photo / Ted Baghurst

64 NORMANS HILL RD ONEHUNGA

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SIZE: Land 1554sq m, house 248sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: Buyer interest is expected between $1.1 million and $1.3 million. Auction May 22 (unless sold prior).

INSPECT: Sunday 2-2.45pm or Wednesday 5-5.30pm.

ON THE WEB: remax.co.nz/RMT11223

SCHOOL ZONES: Onehunga Primary, Royal Oak Intermediate, Onehunga High School.

CONTACT: Wayne Buutveld or Richard Pridham, Remax Pinnacle Royal Oak, ph 021 922 952 (Wayne) or 027 521 9002 (Richard).

FEATURES: Large, renovated 1902 transitional villa with multiple living areas displaying original features such as ornate plaster ceilings, leadlights, kauri joinery and floors. Big, level backyard, double garage with workshop and double carport.

Brotherly love inspired Greg Jordan to purchase this family-sized home with beautiful detailing.

He bought the generous 1902 traditional villa envisaging his little sister and young nephew living with him. She did for a spell, during which she reunited with her partner and had another son before their family unit relocated for work.

Greg had plenty to keep him busy around the character home, which boasts quality fittings such as ornate plaster ceilings, well-crafted joinery and a slew of leadlight windows. He understands it was built for the late historic figure John Court - founder of the John Court chain of department stores which thrived in Auckland earlier this century.

"I've concentrated on some of the tricky little details," says Greg, who used his skills as a former engineer and general manager of a building products manufacturer during the 100-plus hours spent restoring the original bronze-ware latches and handles. He also re-wired the house and upgraded its insulation and heating, installing wool under the floors, Pink Batts in the ceilings and heat pumps.

The villa's atmosphere ranges from grand to more relaxed. The triangular entry lobby and the formal lounge ooze refinement, with old-world detailing, and fine kauri joinery and floors. The property is slightly elevated from the road, with two pedestrian entries and the driveway leading to a double garage with workshop and adjoining double carport. Greg is a car and boat enthusiast and the facilities easily accommodate his fleet and the cars of two flatmates he currently shares with.

The front entrance porch opens into the unusually large triangular lobby with a graceful original light fitting hanging from its intricately detailed plaster ceiling. Towering kauri doors, inset with leadlights, open to the formal living room, with views to Mangere out the leadlight-topped bay window. This room has a superb plaster ceiling and a character tiled fireplace set into a tall kauri surround with mirror. Greg uses a front-of-house enclosed sun-porch as a study. His master suite next door has a walk-in wardrobe and an en suite with marble vanity top. Three more double bedrooms are along the hallway, plus a family bathroom with heritage-style vanity and deep bath, a couple of linen cupboards and a separate laundry.

The formal dining room shares the formal living room's sense of graciousness, with another striking plaster ceiling and character fireplace.

The neighbouring kitchen/informal living room has a welcoming vibe, and features a suite of stainless appliances. A bank of bifold windows and french doors open to the outdoor living spaces. The immediate outdoor dining area is covered - handy for families with young children. Bluestone highlights a monumental outdoor fireplace, built to the scale of those found in a French chateau. The courtyard steps up to a large, level stretch of lawn - this area alone is about 700sq m. The garden includes an English rose area, a little grove of natives, a walnut tree plus a greenhouse and woodshed.

Greg is selling the property because he feels the project here is finished and it's time to move on to his next challenge.