Leaving it to chance

43 Hackett St, St Marys Bay, Ponsonby, Auckland. Photo / David Rowland, Getty Images.

43 HACKETT ST, ST MARYS BAY

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3

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SIZE: Land 303sq m, house 190sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: Interest expected above the CV of $1.62 million.

INSPECT: Sat/Sun noon-12.30pm.

ON THE WEB: harcourts.co.nz/ES9452

SCHOOL ZONES: Ponsonby Primary, Ponsonby Intermediate, Auckland Girls, Western Springs College.

CONTACT: Richard White, 021 051 8404, or Julie Davies, 0275 299 109, Harcourts.

AUCTION: Sept 7 at 12.30pm on site (unless sold prior).

In 2009, No43 Hackett St, St Marys Bay came into the lives of David Shand and Michael Coppolelli ever so briefly before dropping off their radar.

Four years later, in April 2013, it staged a reappearance and this time they bought the property, proving that chance is indeed a fine thing and that timing is everything.

The first time round, David, a Kiwi-born, former US-based consultant, had moved back to New Zealand and settled in Cockle Bay and when he saw this fully renovated home for sale he drove across town for a pre-auction inspection. Neither he nor Michael, his American-born, then US-based partner had any plans to buy, and weren't in a financial position to purchase just then.

And so, the real estate agent's promotional flyer and David's fond memories of this home's charm were filed away. That was, until April 2013 when David spotted the house for sale again. By this stage they were settled in Ponsonby and perfectly placed to sell and move into neighbouring St Marys Bay and into the house that was just as good as David recalled but a delightful unknown for Michael.

The house itself has been completely rebuilt from the kauri floor up, on a footprint dating back to the early 1900s, when its near neighbours were almost certainly built, too.

Built over two levels, this home has two bedrooms; one bathroom and the main living/dining/kitchen by the rear garden deck and, up a discreet staircase, two more bedrooms, bathrooms and decks along with living space.

This upstairs lounge is far larger than landing spaces in similar homes. It is a favourite spot in which to relax with its comfy furniture, free-standing book shelves, built-in CD shelving and so much room that it avoids becoming a transition area only. "We love it up here," says Michael. "We'll sit up here, have a glass of wine and watch the news before dinner, and it's where we come when we want to watch movies."

Image 1 of 6: Sweeping views and an extensive renovation made this couple's dream home. Photos / David Rowland, Getty Images

Their upper north-facing deck has sweeping harbour views, easily enjoyed by everyone, thanks to the stool-height chairs around the outdoor table.

The large master bedroom enjoys all the same deck-side positives.

The double guest bedroom and its adjacent fully equipped bathroom are at the opposite end of this level, near the door to the street-side deck that makes for excellent cross-flow ventilation in summer. Both upstairs and down, the two bedroom, currently configured as work-from-home spaces, are fitted with bedroom-style wardrobe storage.

The three bathrooms include two upstairs; the main bathroom downstairs has a refurbished claw-foot bath with a shower above. The full-width rear living area at the end of the hallway is where the socialising takes place.

The large lounge has a gas fireplace as its focal point. This entire area opens to separate dining and lounging areas on the deck with steps down to the landscaped garden.

The sense of seclusion here is a big part of this home's appeal. "And you don't find that too often in other houses," says David.

It is one feature that they will miss when they head to the Hawke's Bay for a new lifestyle opportunity on land in Havelock North.