SCHOOL ZONES:
Meadowbank Primary, Remuera Intermediate, Selwyn College.
CONTACT:
Cathy Roselli, Ray White, 021 750 454.
AUCTION:
June 17 (unless sold prior).
*2 off-street parks
With three fast-growing boys, Charles, now 15, Sam 13, and George 9, Sarah and Struan Barty knew that they needed a good-sized house and section.
They eventually found the perfect place on the slopes of Remuera, and moved across town from St Marys Bay seven years ago, but soon afterwards Struan was diagnosed with lymphoma and, sadly, passed away five months later.
It was a very difficult time but slowly Sarah, a fashion retailer and wholesaler, began to rebuild her life. Among other things this involved renovating the house.
"It was very original, with dark panelled walls," she says.
"I wanted to open it right up and let some light in."
Many litres of white paint later, the result is an ultra-modern interior within the shell of a classic 1930s bungalow -- yet cleverly retaining its best period features, including handsome leadlight windows and polished floorboards.
"It's quite a deceptive-looking house and section," she explains. "From the street it seems fairly small, but when you get inside you realise that it's actually a very good size."
With four bedrooms, two on the top level and two in the basement -- which Sarah has refurbished completely -- the property is ideal for a family.
"It was really fun coming up with a way to make the basement space work for us. The rumpus area has turned out to be invaluable and Charles and I have our bedrooms there, with a shared bathroom."
"Downstairs is where I practise my drumming, too, you know. It's my favourite thing," says George.
"It's true," says Sarah. "He's very good at it and he and his band from school have a great time."
Back on level one are the kitchen, lounge and dining rooms. "I really love the view from the kitchen window,' says Sarah, who can see all the way to One Tree Hill -- and beyond.
Image 1 of 13: Classic 1930s appeal meets uber-modern style in this family-sized bungalow
"I can also keep an eye on the boys when they're in the swimming pool", she adds.
Sarah's a keen cook and loves entertaining. Standing alone, beyond the kitchen, the dining room is essentially the hub of family life. "I like us all to sit and eat together whenever we can," she says. "There have been a few very interesting conversations here."
The formal lounge next door features a spectacular ceiling rose, and the original open fireplace still does good service.
"It's a very peaceful and tranquil room", says Sarah.
She and her young family are on the move for a happy reason. "I've recently become engaged again," she says. "It feels like a new start in life and we really need to find a place together."
It turns out that George, who was too small to remember his father well, yet still talks about him a lot, was almost the most excited recipient of this good news.
So now, this classic home, fully insulated and with two heat pumps to ensure cosiness in winter, is ready for its next life phase -- while the Barty family embark on theirs.
