Herne Bay - Sold in five minutes

A couple who knew what they wanted grabbed this house as soon as they saw it, then did a major renovation.

21 Albany Road, Herne Bay.

Wayne and Melissa didn't mess about when they found the house they'd been looking for - they bought this villa within five minutes of seeing it.

"The previous owner had signed her contract with the real estate agent two hours before, and we were called straight away to come and have a look at it," recalls Wayne.

"We could see it had really good bones, even though it needed work," adds Melissa. "I just really loved it. We bought it on the spot." That was just on a year ago.

The couple were living in Ponsonby but wanted to start a family, and were attracted to the larger sites, wider streets and community atmosphere of "The Avenues".

This is a series of streets, of which Albany Road is one, that run off Jervois Road parallel to each other.

Melissa is now seven months pregnant with "Tinkerbell", which they hasten to add is simply an affectionate code name for the daughter whose title they have yet to announce.

Yet just when they could be settling in to their newly renovated house to await her arrival, they have decided to move back to Remuera where they grew up. Having their first child has unexpectedly drawn them back to their roots.

They are handing on a villa they've restored in keeping with its era at the front, and added to beautifully at the back.

As you come up the front steps your eye is drawn to a colourful stained glass window at the end of the verandah. Wayne acquired this from a friend across the road who was going to throw it away.

Its pink, yellow and green glass match little feature windows above the front door and at the top of the windows in one of the front bedrooms.

On your right as you come in the door is the master bedroom. Its compact en suite is made airy by the height of its ceiling - 3.4m - and two high windows which let in sun and the breeze, but ensure privacy.

Next door is the main bathroom, and then another bedroom. Across the hallway are two more bedrooms - one with a restored double-sided fireplace that has its twin in the formal lounge next door.

Wayne found a gorgeous cast iron fire surround, complete with green tiles, to dress the fireplace in this bedroom. The other bedroom on this side has been set up for children, with a ladder leading up to a wide bunk space.

Another stained glass door separates the hallway from the kitchen/dining and family room. French and bifold doors, made higher than normal at 2.5m, line three sides and allow the sun to pour in, as do the bifold windows around an inviting corner window seat.

All open onto a generous deck and lawn, shaded by a tall bead tree. Bare in winter, it is about to start growing a new coat of foliage and lilac flowers.

A feature of the kitchen is a large island of black granite which serves as a breakfast bar as well as a workspace. Set slightly above the living area and with some cabinetry left handleless, it is unobtrusive, but still allows the cook to be part of the wider action.

Wayne oversaw the renovation and is pleased with how it's turned out, but wisely says they're in no hurry to take on another one with a new baby about to arrive. "The next house we buy will be all done," he laughs.

VITAL STATISTICS

BEDROOMS: 4

BATHROOMS: 2

GARAGES: *

SIZE: Land 472sq m, house 200 sq m (approx).

PRICE INDICATION: Interest expected above $1.4 million. Sale by negotiation.

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 2-2.45pm.

ON THE WEB: www.goodrealestate.co.nz #P457

CONTACT: Johnny Wills, LJ Hooker, ph 021 333 053, 361 7711 bus.

FEATURES: Fully renovated villa in the heart of " The Avenues". Great flow from living areas to sunny deck and lawn. Separate lounge with fireplace. Another fireplace in one of the bedrooms.

*No garage but off-street parking for two cars.