Upstairs from the entrance lobby, beside the internal-access double garage with laundry, is a living area decorated in warm, honey tones.
"The kitchen was a separate one when we bought the place but we decided to take out a wall and integrate it into the rest of the room," says Christine.
"I wondered if I wanted to keep the original joinery but several people we discussed it with said we'd be crazy to get rid of such lovely solid wood doors and drawer fronts and I think they were right.
"I've come to love them."
21A Rutherford Terrace, Meadowbank home of Christine Abel. Photo / Fiona Goodall/Getty Images
The dining suite sits in a bay window adjacent to the french doors, which open to an private deck.
"The deck is marvellous. It's completely sheltered and gets full sun until around 2pm each day. There's never a breath of wind," says Christine.
Also on this floor are three bedrooms, one of which is used as a home office. The master suite also houses the main bathroom, an elegant space that was put in by the couple six years ago. There is also a walk-in wardrobe.
Christine says that they have both enjoyed living in this quality neighbourhood.
"When I was still working I would go out for a walk every morning at 6am and I'd see and greet the same pleasant people. I never felt unsafe."
It seems amazing but when they bought, the couple didn't even realise that they had a substantial public park straight across the road.
