The Bouchers bought the house a year ago, drawn to it by its location in a quiet, tree-lined cul-de-sac.
As soon as they walked in they were won over by its elevated position and views across Remuera, Meadowbank and Orakei. The top of Rangitoto can be seen in the distance.
"We loved the outlook and also the fact it is such a sunny house," says Mark.
"It is north-facing so we get all-day sun."
They also appreciated the thoughtful design, by renowned Auckland architects Cook Sargisson, and apart from shifting the kitchen slightly, they have kept the layout the same because they were so pleased with the way it worked.
Image 1 of 6: This 20-year-old house has had a complete, top-to-toe rejuvenation. Photos / Ted Baghurst
The couple and their son Sam, who still lives at home, weren't daunted by the size of the project -- they've tackled renovations and new builds before. But Mark admits it did start to feel as if the builders had moved in. "They were here for five months, The family shifted downstairs to the lower level, which had previously been just a basement area with a concrete floor and storage.
Mark and Brenda divided up the space, putting in a fourth bedroom and creating an office area. There was still enough space for a generous living area, which has doors out to the garden.
"We did downstairs first, then lived down here while the rest of the building work was being done, which worked out really well," says Mark.
Putting in the new kitchen was the biggest job on the main level but it was worth the inconvenience, because they've ended up with a sleek, state-of-the-art kitchen.
It has plenty of storage, a beverage fridge, a gas hob and a central island. There's an informal sitting area alongside the kitchen, which is separated from the formal living room by the dining space.
