SCHOOL ZONES:
St Heliers Primary, Glendowie College.
CONTACT:
Steen Nielsen, Ray White, 027 557 8336.
AUCTION:
March 29, 7pm on site.
When Richard Jolly first saw the house that was to become his family's home, it had very little street appeal.
Built in the 1960s, the bungalow was plain and somewhat tired. The brick fence was broken, the wrought iron gates didn't close properly and the carport was on a serious lean.
However, when he walked to the back door and saw the size of the section beyond, he quickly realised that there was major scope for improvement, and so the deal was signed.
That was back at the end of last century and 18 years later the house is barely recognisable.
The front is smart and stylish and that rickety carport has been replaced by a double garage with internal access. A crisp black and white exterior colour scheme is complemented by well-established sub-tropical plantings.
Inside, the house is bright and airy with loads of light filling the generous living and dining space and the large, well-equipped kitchen.
"The original kitchen was stuck right in the middle of the house with no natural light. We relocated it and put in bi-fold doors to achieve a seamless flow to the deck and outdoor living areas," says Richard.
44 Sylvia Rd, St Heliers, Auckland. Photo / Ted Baghurst
The family bathroom has recently been completely renovated, using elegant marble tiles and on the top floor four bedrooms include the master suite, which also features a brand new bathroom plus copious wardrobe space.
Daughter Grace's bedroom has lovely garden views and there's also a cosy study, tucked in by the front door and atrium.
Downstairs is a rumpus room, bedroom and toilet and this is where Richard's son Liam was living before leaving home to attend Victoria University.
"It's good to give teenagers their own space and he loved it down here," says Richard. As an added bonus there's also a workshop - or man cave.
"I'm a bit of a hoarder and it never used to look this tidy."
44 Sylvia Rd, St Heliers, Auckland. Photo / Ted Baghurst
Although the house is hugely liveable, with new paint, new carpet and is attractively presented, it's outside that has been a major focus of family life here.
Huge areas of decking are ideal for al fresco dining and the solar-heated pool, which can sit at 30°C for weeks on end in summer has been an absolute magnet for Liam, Grace and their friends.
"The garden was everything we needed it to be as the children were growing up," says Richard. "We've had everything here from sandpits and swing sets to a trampoline. There was once a hut, and it's been used as bike track, mini cricket pitch and soccer field."
Palms and other exotic plants enhance the resort-like feel and there's plenty of flat lawn.
44 Sylvia Rd, St Heliers, Auckland. Photo / Ted Baghurst
"The whole thing looks its best when the wedding rose is in full bloom each year," Richard says.
In terms of family life, St Heliers has been absolutely perfect, with the beach and waterfront just a short stroll away.
"When the children were small we did a lot of walking and this is such a nice friendly suburb to live in, with pleasant neighbours. It's a nice mix of older couples and young families.
"The schools are very good, too, with St Heliers Primary School and Glendowie College nearby. We're also in the zone for St Ignatius."
Richard, who works as CFO for a large company, says that he has always enjoyed the drive to work along the waterfront.
Circumstances have changed and he's leaving St Heliers for a new life elsewhere in the city.
