Michelle Hopkins was sceptical when her husband, Roger Twose, found this Campbells Bay house five-and-a-half years ago -- it needed top-to-toe renovation.
The property caught their eye after they moved from Wellington with daughters Alex and Charlie, now 7 and 9.
The large property, at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac that backs on to Centennial Park, included a swimming pool on its 1017sq m section.
"Having lived in Wellington, I thought we would only get to use the pool for a few days of the year and that it would be a hassle with young children," says Michelle.
But after Roger convinced her to look through the three-level house, she fell in love with its tranquil, bush-clad setting and trusted his ideas for giving the house and gardens a serious makeover.
"Roger has great vision and the ability to imagine how something will look when it is transformed. I am better at knowing what I like."
They lived in the house for a year before renovating, which included replacing monolithic cladding with weatherboards.
A deck off the main living level was replaced by a larger floating one. This overlooks the swimming pool and barbecue area. Stairs down from the deck were also repositioned to connect it properly with the two areas of garden.
Apart from two beautiful, mature bangalow palms in front of the deck that have been retained, the garden has been completely replanted in subtropicals and natives that blend with the bush on the 68ha reserve bordering their property.
The house has been extensively redecorated inside. Two bathrooms have been renovated and the laundry has been moved outside. A new kitchen -- with a striking black glass splashback that doubles as a "whiteboard" -- has been installed behind the hob.
Image 1 of 7: Reinvention inside and out has made a sturdy residence sparklingly modern
The middle level, where you enter the house, includes the two girls' bedrooms, one with its own deck and one of the three bathrooms. Also on this level are the open-plan kitchen, family and dining rooms that open to the wide deck. Its clear glass balustrade creates a seamless sense of space.
From the deck you can look over the lower garden to Centennial Park, which backs on to Pupuke Golf Course and a tennis club.
"The girls and I walk through the bush each day to their school and Campbells Bay is only 10 minutes away."
Upstairs, the master bedroom, has ocean views, its own deck, en suite and walk-in wardrobe.
The lower level includes the garage, laundry, two more bedrooms, a bathroom and a rumpus-cum-TV room, which opens to a north-facing lawn and large concrete pad for playing basketball.
Michelle says one of the nicest aspects of Asbury Crescent is its friendly community of young families.
"Three of the kids in our street have been in Charlie's class at school and in the same basketball team, and we have made great friends with our neighbours."
Because of the girls' sporting activities, the family has begun to spend much more time in nearby Mairangi Bay. So Michelle and Roger are now looking to buy a smaller property there, which will become their next project.
