SCHOOL ZONES:
Newton Central,Kowhai Intermediate, Auckland Girls, Western Springs College
CONTACT:
Keith Dowdle 021 877 905.
The term "more than meets the eye" could easily have been coined to describe this charming, completely refurbished 1880s villa.
From the street it looks small and neat with its crisp grey and white colour scheme and handsome black front door. Once inside the surprises begin unfolding -- starting with a wide, sunny hallway, with polished floorboards and soaring ceilings.
To your left, the first of four bedrooms is being used as an elegant, second living space by owners Jennifer and Grant Forbes who live here with their son, Tyler.
"This room alone was enough to make us determined to buy the property," says Grant.
The main living room, with its open fireplace surrounded by original Victorian tiles, has a "gentlemen's club" feeling and that's exactly what South African-born Grant was hoping to achieve with the decor.
"The men can enjoy their whiskeys while they put the world to rights, then step outside to the little patio, off the kitchen, for a cigar," he says.
"And I like to sit out there with a cup of tea when Tyler's sleeping."
The kitchen is spacious and well-appointed with Smeg appliances and a glass-doored pantry cupboard.
"Even when I'm cooking I can still interact with guests," she says.
Image 1 of 9: Charming 1880s villa with soaring ceilings is packing a punch. Photos / Fiona Goodall, Getty Images
Beyond the kitchen is a bright, sunny dining space, which flows seamlessly into the enormous 63sq m back deck, the family's favourite location on hot summer days.
To the side here is an added bonus; a self-contained guest wing with a bedroom and bathroom and a separate laundry. It would also suit a work-from-home situation
The house is rounded off with a workshop or man cave, where Grant likes to tinker.
"I never seem to achieve anything much but I enjoy trying," he says.
The garden seems to go on forever, with lots of big, bright, subtropical plantings, including canna lilies and bromeliads, a cleverly concealed vegetable garden behind a trellis screen and numerous fruit trees.
"We've got plums, figs, fejoas and all sorts of citrus," says Jennifer.
As well as a single garage that supplies extra storage space it's also possible to get under the house and stow large items such as golf clubs and snowboards.
"If you wanted a bigger house you could build out further on the existing footprint or add a second storey, which would have city and water views," says Grant.
The pair have loved living in Grey Lynn.
"We thought Auckland might seem a bit quiet after the excitement of London but this has been great actually, with Ponsonby Rd just a few minutes' walk away," says Jennifer.
