1 Kent St, Ponsonby, Auckland. Photo / Ted Baghurst
1 Kent St, Ponsonby, Auckland. Photo / Ted Baghurst
There is officially only one house in Kent St, Ponsonby, and it's the beautiful villa that education professionals Peg Lockyer and Maree Flannery have owned for 17 years, during which time they've made some exciting changes.
"The owners before us had started renovations but there were some aspects that didn't seem to work — including a brick fireplace that broke up the living, dining and kitchen flow, so we took that out, for starters," says Peg.
The resulting space is vast and airy with traditional tall ceilings. It's cool in summer and warm in winter, thanks to the gas fire in the living area.
"We're fully insulated, with a ventilation system, so this is the only heat source we really need," says Maree.
The galley-style kitchen has oodles of space and a cleverly concealed laundry.
It opens into the covered rear courtyard where Peg and Maree entertain.
Food and drinks can be passed outside through bi-fold windows to where there's a drop-down table plus a host of other seating and lounging areas. Outdoor heating and lighting make it possible to relax outside throughout the year. And there are no lawns to mow.
"We wanted the place to have a beach-house feel and I think we've been successful," says Peg. "We still kept its age and heritage in mind, though, and we've retained special features such as the wooden mataī and kauri floorboards.
The separate studio is a beautiful structure that can be opened right up. It adds a great deal to the property and can be used as a third bedroom, with fold-away bed, and bathroom, or for a work-from-home arrangement.
1 Kent St, Ponsonby, Auckland. Photo / Ted Baghurst
It can be reached via a boardwalk that runs around the side of the house and is self-contained. The couple have let it out.
"The guests can be very independent and they go out to eat so it's no trouble for us," says Peg.
Maree says that everyone who sees the studio falls in love with it.
"They take photos and make plans to recreate it at their own homes."
Back inside, the front bedroom has generous wardrobe space while the back bedroom, beyond the main bathroom, opens on to the courtyard and is what they describe as a multi-room, which could be utilised in a number of different ways.
1 Kent St, Ponsonby, Auckland. Photo / Ted Baghurst
A roomy front veranda is yet another place to sit quietly and watch the neighbourhood cats go by, plus there's an enclosed, secure carport and on-street permitted parking.
The house has been well maintained and presents in tip-top order, so the new owners will have nothing to do, but Peg and Maree say there are still some changes possible in terms of layout if somebody was inclined.
"We're in the very best position here in terms of proximity to Ponsonby Rd and all the shops and cafes," says Peg.
1 Kent St, Ponsonby, Auckland. Photo / Ted Baghurst
"It's only a short walk away yet we're quiet and private back here and we don't hear the noise from bars and clubs — or from the traffic."
Peg and Maree thought long and hard before deciding to sell the home they've been so happy in, but both are keen sportswomen and love the beach, so they're opting for a lifestyle change, allowing more flexibility.
"It's been very satisfying creating this lovely home and we know that somebody else is really going to enjoy it," they say.
