Freemans Bay: Prepare to be enchanted

The grand villa stands out as a classic period property in Freemans Bay. A free-standing outdoor fireplace allows the entertaining to continue, even on the coldest of evenings. A recent renovation transformed the ample roof space into a stunning master suite. The vast dining table nestles to one side of the versatile living area.

Delightful original character, modern touches and an enviable central location make this vast Freemans Bay home a true gem.

'Since it was built in 1910, the house has been gradually enlarged. Though the original character of kauri floors, joinery and fittings is preserved, it now treats current owners to a more spacious layout and is three times the original size.'

If the Catholic family who once lived in this large, traditional, three-level home in Freemans Bay could see it now, they would surely be green with envy. The Molloy family and their 11 children, who shared the ornate Gothic villa, crammed themselves into just one level, which enjoys panoramic views over the city and harbour, not to mention close proximity to the CBD and Ponsonby Rd.

Since it was built in 1910, the house has been gradually enlarged. Though the original character of kauri floors, joinery and fittings is preserved, it now treats current owners to a more spacious layout and is three times the original size.

Previous owners levelled off the back of the section, creating a magical private garden where children can play safely on a lush lawn. At the same time they excavated under the house. Where there was once a messy shed with rotten floorboards downstairs, there is now a simple family bathroom, a laundry, a utility room for linen and storage as well as four roomy bedrooms, all of which open to a wrap-around terrace.

A recent renovation took full advantage of the ample space in the roof cavity. From timber floorboards in the foyer, a grand timber stairwell marches up to an amazing master suite boasting a roomy, classically contemporary bathroom, a walk-through dressing room as well as two large adjoining offices and a child's bedroom.

Sandwiched between the two bedroom levels, the main living level has been reconfigured several times. Now light and uncluttered, it offers expansive open-plan living with flexible options. Virtually the whole floor opens through french doors to a deep, wrap-around veranda that encircles the house, making it a favourite race track for small children on bikes.

Should the new owners want to entertain on a grand scale, that's perfectly feasible. The tall timber and granite kitchen sits along the middle of the space between a family television area with gas fire and a more formal, grand lounge. Here, party-goers can gather around an elegant, open fireplace. Sprawling in this voluminous area, a vast dining table can be separated off for a more intimate dining experience, if required. Tall, solid, white bifolding doors splice the front area of the room in half so neither areas miss out on the fabulous views.

Because it is cool and shady, the south side of the living area - once a bedroom - is the ideal position for a gym. With its own shower and a guest bathroom next door, it's a room that has adapted to suit the owners' needs. Certainly, few would require another bedroom.

Enclosed by the steep incline of the road front, the back of the house, facing west, is an oasis protected from the wind. An easy, level flow from the family living area makes this courtyard a relaxed place to dine. Children can also play here while parents supervise from the kitchen.

A free-standing outdoor fireplace means guests can sit outside even on the coldest of evenings. Then there's the enticement of the swimming pool behind a fence on the other side of the entry path. Clinging to a wall of the double garage, it can be heated to a deliciously warm bath temperature.

From the street, you hardly realise this home exists. Secluded by a tall fence, you wouldn't give it a second glance, which makes it all the more enchanting when you discover how much of it there is. For a city family seeking a big, secure living environment close to all the action, it's hard to rival.