It took Janet Tuck all of two minutes to know she'd found the perfect home when she walked into a 1940s house in Epsom nearly 12 years ago.
She rang her husband Deane, who has an aversion to house hunting, with the good news straight away. "It was very fast -- I walked in, looked around and knew immediately that we could stop looking because this was it," says Janet. "It just had a lovely, friendly feel to it."
Finding a home for themselves and their children -- Lawrence and Ashleigh, then 14 and 11 -- was a challenge because they'd just returned to New Zealand after living in Hong Kong for several years, and they'd never been based in Auckland before.
"We didn't really know where to start and we looked all over the place, but in the end it came down to school zones."
The Gardner Rd house was perfect because it was in the double Grammar zone and halfway between the city and the airport, which was ideal for Deane, who travels a lot with his work in the tech industry.
The house, built by an architect as his own home around 1947, was looking a little tired, but Janet could see that it could be transformed into a stunning family home. In the years that the family have lived there, they have carried out a top-to-toe makeover. "I think we must have replaced all the walls and ceilings," Janet says.
They also added a double garage and en suite, turned an office into a walk-through wardrobe and redecorated throughout, choosing stylish neutral tones.
The result is a home that combines character features with contemporary style, and is both elegant and comfortable.
Thanks to an abundance of windows, the house is also very light. "I can't stand dark houses, but there is always plenty of light here, which we love," says Janet.
The house, which is smart-wired throughout, is spread over three levels. On the top floor are two bedrooms and a bathroom, which were used by Lawrence and Ashleigh until they moved out. The main level is home to the dining room and kitchen, lounge, conservatory, powder room, guest bedroom and the master bedroom.
The new en suite, which can also be accessed from the guest bedroom as well as the master, is Janet's favourite room. It features a deep tub and a skylight, and she says it is lovely to lie in the bath and look up at the stars.
There are also two offices on this level. Deane's is in what used to be a family bathroom, while Janet's is off the master bedroom. Hers has an external door, which is ideal for when her clients visit for career coaching.
The downstairs area could also lend itself to a home business. Alongside the new double garage is a living room and bedroom with external access that could be used as offices, or a medical treatment room and waiting room. This part of the house, which also includes a bathroom, laundry and another room used as a library, would also be good for extended family or teenagers.
Image 1 of 8: With location, low-maintenance landscaping and lots of light on its side, this 1940s classic sports an appealing, versatile layout
Outside, a sunny, sheltered terrace off the dining room is where the Tucks spend most of their time in summer. It's great for al-fresco dining and has been used for some memorable parties, including 21st celebrations, over the years.
Janet and Deane have put in easy-care landscaping and did contemplate putting a swimming pool in the spacious backyard and extending the lounge so it would open up to the pool. However, they decided against that because they doubted it would get used with the kids about to leave home.
Lawrence and Ashleigh have flown the coop so Janet and Deane are selling.
"We love this house, but it is too big for the two of us -- there are parts that don't get used," says Janet. "It would be lovely if another family can make good use of it."
