The couple own and run Birkenhead over-twos childhood centre Childspace, 6-year-old Ollie attends Cornwall Park District School just down the road and little sister Zoe will attend Childspace when she turns 2 later this year.
Claire says: "Cornwall Park is a neat school. Because it's so handy while other people are stuck in traffic driving their kids there I can be just getting dressed."
She bought this central-heated, double-Grammar zoned property pre-Fraser having returned from a stretch living in Sydney.
As the pair describe what it used to look like inside, you get the impression less motivated folk might've made do with some elements but not achieved the ambiance Claire and Fraser have.
There were no heinous factors absolutely screaming for attention but this couple are focused on the best solutions possible rather than making do.
They repainted most areas in white, gratified by how light and open spaces felt compared to the former tan-beige paint that seemed to absorb sunlight. They chose half charred oak, half walnut for bespoke stain for the matai timber floors, resulting in a rich matt finish.
Fraser previously studied spatial design and so created a striking contemporary kitchen to replace the slightly period-themed one that had been there. The previous layout had skirted the space, leaving more floor-space but delivering less functionality.
Image 1 of 7: This 1920s bungalow has been lovingly revitalised. Photos / Ted Baghurst
Now it revolves around an extra-deep Caesarstone island with bar seating. They extend it with their dining table for day-to-day use, moving it if they want a more stand-alone effect when they entertain.
Being able to nip around the corner for a family picnic or birthday party in Cornwall Park is part of the pleasure of this location.
Fraser says: "Having the motorway on-ramp nearby at Greenlane means we can easily get a takeaway meal from Food Truck Garage in the City Works Depot or from Ponsonby Rd if we feel like it."
The north-facing deck outside offers an easy way to extend living and delivers lots of light into the handleless kitchen with Fisher & Paykel appliances.
Fraser studied David Trubridge's work as part of his design qualification and the Trubridge light he promised himself back then hangs in the living room alongside the kitchen.
The front master bedroom features bevelled glass French doors to outside and a clear glass leadlight window similar to windows in the living space.
Fraser says: "I really like the windows because they add that period element without introducing glass colours which you've got to work around."
There are beamed ceilings and more period ambiance in the bathroom with its clawfoot bath, pedestal basin and an early version of a polished concrete floor. Two other good-sized bedrooms and a separate laundry complete the floor plan.
The lawns of the fenced front grounds, alongside a secure double carport, get extra sun since the removal of a huge phoenix palm that was growing up from inside a pohutukawa.
They've decided it makes sense to be North Shore-based, like their business, but say if they could take this home with them they happily would.
