When Guy and Juliet Hallwright were looking to buy a family home in Parnell nine years ago, this gracious 1930s house met all of their requirements. But one selling point stood out.
Thanks to its former life as a boutique bed-and-breakfast hotel, the three-level home came with en suites off all four of its large bedrooms.
When the Hallwrights bought the house in 2005 after moving back to New Zealand from Sydney, their three children, Issie, Nick and Sophie, were aged between 11 and 17. So this substantial 351sq m house, with several living spaces and a large, north-facing front courtyard and swimming pool, was ideal for a family with teenagers.
Ideal, too, is its prime location, off Gladstone Rd, which is 12 minutes' drive to the city and an easy walk to Auckland University, Parnell Village, Judges Bay, Pt Erin Pools and to several dog-friendly parks where their dog has had fun.
The house also has the best of both worlds because despite being so central, the property is not on a main commuter route so traffic noise is not an issue.
The house, weatherboard with Marseille roof tiles, was in sound condition when the Hallwrights bought it, and previous owners had - thankfully - not messed with the elegant proportions of its generous and welcoming rooms.
The Hallwrights' cosmetic changes have included recarpeting, repainting and adding more storage spaces, including a wine cellar.
Two bathrooms have also been renovated and a new kitchen, designed by Nicola Manning and featuring blonde marble benchtops and Gaggenau appliances, was put in a few years ago.
The area in most need of immediate attention was the walled front garden where cluttered plants, including more than 40 palm trees, overshadowed the north-facing family room and formal dining room that open to this space.
Replacing the decking and tiling, refurbishing the heated pool and removing some of the trees to give others adequate room have given this sheltered, private area a resort feel and ensured it has been well used by family and friends.
You enter the house and the double, internal access garage from Gladstone Rd. To the left, off the central hallway on the ground floor are the light-filled dining room and adjoining living room, which has an open fireplace and original panelled sash windows.
To the right are the TV/media room, a powder room and laundry. At the end of the hall are the east and north-facing open-plan kitchen and informal dining room which trap morning sun.
A landing near the entrance showcases a large picture window with beautiful, original Art Deco leadlights, with stairs from here up to three large double bedrooms and a sunroom.
The top floor is reserved for the master bedroom, adjoining office, dressing room, en suite, and a small balcony where the sea and city views are the most spectacular.
Now that the children have grown up and left home there is no longer a need for such a large house.
