Seeing the price difference between properties in Auckland and Wellington made house hunting in the Super City a depressing experience for Deb and John Saunders.
The couple had lived in Wellington for most of their lives before they decided last year to move to Auckland both for John's work and a change of lifestyle.
"A lot of our friends have moved up here, and we were sick of Wellington's weather to be honest," says John.
Their two sons had also finished studying and their daughter is at Otago University so the time seemed right to shift the family base.
The couple had no pre-conceptions about where they wanted to live in Auckland, other than it needed to be an easy commute to John's work in Mt Eden.
When this 1940s weatherboard home came up for auction, they could see past its tired 70s decor to its ripe potential for a makeover.
After moving into the house in March they began a five-month renovation, which has transformed the look and feel of the house while retaining some of its original features and sensible layout.
The house, which is just across from Cornwall Park, had been a single-storey family home until previous owners added a second storey eight years ago.
"The kitchen was dark blue, there were glass blocks, lots of curves and apricot walls," says Deb, who has harnessed her project management and clever decorating skills to turn the house into an elegant, contemporary home.
The Saunders have changed neither the footprint of the house nor its internal layout, other than removing part of a curved wall to improve the flow between the main lounge, family living and kitchen.
Image 1 of 7: A complete renovation has seen this tired 40s weatherboard home restored to a high standard. Photos / Teg Baghurst
Adding more windows and enlarging existing ones in the northwest-facing lounge has also made the house lighter.
The renovation has included complete refits of the kitchen, two bathrooms, separate toilet and the laundry.
The house has also been completely repainted, has new carpeting, curtains, shutters, blinds, bathroom tiles and blond-stained, engineered timber flooring downstairs.
Original features include panelled doors with beveled glass that open from the hall to the lounge, where custom-made pendant lights complement two beautiful ceiling roses.
Other internal improvements include a new fire surround in the lounge, and new wardrobes in the bedrooms, which add to the storage space in this home.
Outside, the Saunders have capitalised on existing high front fencing and established hedging and landscaping by sprucing up the garden and adding a chic, new tiled courtyard.
This outdoor dining space opens off the downstairs living areas, is private and sheltered.
Deb says one of the hardest aspects of the renovation initially was dealing with the wide variations in trades quotes, but it was rewarding to build up a good team who did an excellent job.
"We knew that this house was one that we could add great value to and it deserves the quality renovation that we have given it."
The ground level includes an entrance hallway off a small portico, three double bedrooms, the semi open-plan lounge, family living room and kitchen, a separate laundry, the main bathroom and a separate toilet. An internal access double garage with extra storage space, including a loft, opens off the hallway on this level.
Upstairs is the master bedroom with en suite and walk-in wardrobe. A study with a Juliet balcony opens off the staircase landing and adjoins the master bedroom. Deb and John have enjoyed being so centrally located in Auckland as well as being right next to Cornwall Park, where Deb walks their dog Harry each day.
