Expect the unexpected

30 Beaconsfield St, Grey Lynn. Photo / Ted Baghurst

30 BEACONSFIELD ST, GREY LYNN

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SIZE: Land approx 472sq m, house 168.4sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: Interest upward of $1.8 million. Auction 1.30pm, Wednesday, November 20 in Barfoot & Thompson's city rooms (34 Shortland St) unless sold prior.

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 1-1.40pm.

ON THE WEB: barfoot.co.nz/508921

SCHOOL ZONES: Grey Lynn School, Kowhai Intermediate, Auckland Girls' Grammar, Western Springs College.

CONTACT: Andre and Nikki Bodde, Barfoot & Thompson Ponsonby, ph 376 3039, 021 662 873 (Andre) or 021 730 662 (Nikki).

FEATURES: Architecturally designed reinvention of a transitional villa. A long, north-facing rear extension houses new living areas and opens to a private outdoor entertaining area.

Architectural designer Kerri Hutchinson knew she wanted to incorporate the unexpected when tackling a commonplace renovation scenario.

Shehad renovated a bungalow in Jessel St, Grey Lynn, which sold last year after attracting a whopping 360 groups through its open homes. A few months later she bought this modest and tired circa-1915 transitional villa, built to suit a long-since obsolete lifestyle and ready to be made relevant for today.

"The overall aim was to create something unique, unexpected and functional while restoring the beauty of the original transitional villa," Kerri explains.

She chose this property knowing the house position, towards the fore of its section, invited a game-changing addition out the back.

"I knew I could do something quite dramatic which would also be well-orientated for the sun. I like people to have a bit of uniqueness in what they live in and a bit of drama."

The redevelopment also involved extensive re-building and remodelling of the existing home, restoring as many period features as possible.

The new front picket fence combines heritage appeal with practical functionality, sliding open for access to a secure double parking pad. The re-built veranda bears its original transitional-era fretwork. Kerri wanted a colour that was warm without being garish so she chose Resene Ying Yang for exterior weatherboards.

Once inside, Kerri says: "The minute you step foot in the central hallway you get this enticing view." She's talking about the view straight down the hallway, through the original home's footprint to a fountain burbling in the rear courtyard. Character homes are often enlarged by uniformly pushing out the back but this view signals that Kerri opted for an alternative solution.

The hallway has dramatic Scandinavian overhead lights, a subtle archway and walnut-stained floorboards. It conceals a recessed linen cupboard-laundry.

Four polished bedrooms (including the master) boast substantial wardrobes and carpet sourced from Kerri's sister and brother-in-law's company, Source Mondial. Insulation in ceilings, under-floor and in regibbed walls cocoons the rooms.

The master suite is positioned along the back of the original footprint with sliding glass doors opening to outdoors. Its location gives it a nice perspective on the home's contemporary addition.

Its en suite leading to a walk-in wardrobe may offer extra interest for fans of television series The Block. That programme's interior designer judge maligned Loz and Tom's en suite combination of a single extra-wide basin with two taps but here you can see it works well when appropriately proportioned. New living spaces are contained in an entertainment lounge and kitchen-dining-family room that stretches back in a long addition along one side of the rear section. This orientates them northwards to ensure they're flooded with light. It also allows for a sheltered and private area alongside for outdoor entertaining.

Image 1 of 9: 30 Beaconsfield St, Grey Lynn. Photo / Ted Baghurst

The formerly sloping backyard has been completely relandscaped.

An outdoor entertaining hub includes a gas outdoor fireplace and a water feature with a bridge and dual fountains. Nearby is a level lawn. Landscaper Kirsten Sach chose all the plants including those on a western bank, which operates like a planted wall.

"It creates privacy and drama and a really lovely backdrop to the house," says Kerri.

"I also love the way the whole property transforms at night. There's outdoor lighting so there's a play of water and fire and light, with reflections on all the glass."