SCHOOL ZONES:
Grey Lynn Primary, Ponsonby Intermediate, Western Springs College.
CONTACT:
Heather Lanting, 0274 394 124, or Marty Hall, 0274 500 168, Ray White.
Tim and Lauren Watts believe they've found the ideal solution for young Aucklanders who are trying to get on to the daunting property ladder.
"Grant Browne is one of my oldest friends and he was hunting for a house at the same time as Lauren and I. Prices were rising and suddenly it occurred to us that we should consider going in together," Tim says.
"The idea was that it would be a short-term investment, which in our case was three years and taking that into account, we set off to find the perfect property."
The stars must have been in alignment because the trio, who were expecting to buy a do-up, arrived at this stately, perfectly preserved villa right in the heart of Grey Lynn just as the owners were shifting to Australia.
"Lauren and I came through first and we laughed, thinking it was well out of our range. Brownie came at 7am the following day and by 10am we had an offer on the table. Less than 24 hours later it was ours."
Luckily, the hard work had been done and the only changes they needed to make were the installation of HRV, a re-insulation project and the addition of a kitchenette and bathroom in the separate studio, outside the main house.
A few weeks after the purchase, Grant met Penny, who is now his wife and the following three years turned out to be lots of fun as the two couples shared their luxurious home and entertained regularly with great flair.
The large kitchen and living space was their central living area. With its soaring ceilings and walnut-finish floors it's warm in winter and cool in summer. A separate dining room has views across the CBD and the laundry, situated discreetly by the back door, has loads of cupboard space.
The main bathroom is sleek and streamlined with built in glass shelves and a double vanity for morning rush-hour convenience.
Image 1 of 6: This early 1900s villa oozes elegance and convenience. Photos / Ted Baghurst
Three smart bedrooms have generous wardrobe space with the master enjoying a walk-in robe and en suite. There's a separate lounge, too, perfectly preserved, with its original fireplace, and simply oozing early 1900s elegance.
The decor throughout the villa is simple and classic, essentially a blank canvas when it comes to adding furniture, art and accessories.
Tim points out that it's a versatile house and would be ideal for a family -- or even an extended family situation, using the studio -- which could also be a wonderful home office -- as an extra bedroom. It would also be perfect for owners who plan to do Airbnb.
Having Grey Lynn School directly across the road is a huge selling point and Kokako and The Gypsy Tearoom are among the owners' favourite neighbourhood haunts.
The property is on a major bus route and motorway access is just around the corner.
The private, well-established and maintained section with its Italian-inspired planting theme boasts a sunny north-facing backyard patio. Tim, Lauren, Grant and Penny all found that they enjoyed a spot of gardening, trimming the box hedging and mowing the lawn.
"It's quite pleasant and therapeutic," Tim says.
Now that their three years is up, the house is back on the market. Each couple would love to buy it for themselves, but that's not going to be possible, so the friends are looking further afield.
They all agree that what's been essentially a glorified flatting situation has worked out perfectly.
