Mt Eden: Saved from a busman's holiday

9 Jason Ave, Mt Eden.

Sold by: Liz Rigby, Cahill Real Estate, ph 021 676 206.

When a builder with 20-something years' experience in renovating villas and an antique collector go hunting for their new family home, you can expect they would have high standards and face a long, exacting search. Which is why Bruce Whye and Sally Horsup are so delighted at how quickly they found (and bought at auction) the renovated villa in Jason Ave, featured in Heraldhomes on May 28.

"Bruce has always worked on houses since he helped his dad as a kid," says Sally. "So for our family home, we agreed on a no-weekend-work rule. He's working on big projects all over Ponsonby and Herne Bay, so home time is for hanging out and a relaxed quality of life."

The couple had abandoned plans for a major gut and refurbish of Bruce's Grey Lynn villa. They had only just begun looking for a property with loads of room for them, and Sally's son Henry, 4, when they spotted the house in the paper and made their move. In particular, this couple, passionate about villas, loved the roomy lawn which was ideal for a growing boy and has space for a pool - rare in inner city villas.

Sally and Bruce were immediately impressed with the loving restoration that owners Shaun and Nicole had performed on the house, such as the installation of light fittings and period details rescued from other demolished villas.

However, Sally and Bruce can't resist adding their own touch by extending the back living spaces and fitting a second en suite bathroom. Sally will also enjoy moving in her lifelong antique collection, and adding her own decorating colours and finishes.