SCHOOL ZONES:
Richmond Rd School, Auckland Girls’ Grammar.
CONTACT:
Marc Collins, Custom Residential, 027 448 5961.
AUCTION:
October 30.
*1 off-street
You know you've got it bad when you attend not just one or two, but every single open home for the house you'd like to buy.
That's what Kimberly and Nick Falconer did after spotting a renovated two-storey working man's cottage in Ponsonby when they were house-hunting three years ago.
"We loved it so much we just kept coming back every time there was an open home," recalls Kimberly.
"I don't know what we would have done if we hadn't got it. Our lives would have been quite different."
The house, which dates back to the late 1800s, had everything they wanted. The location, just a stone's throw from Ponsonby Rd, was ideal. They loved the character and the fact it had been thoughtfully renovated. And it even had that rarest of things -- an off-street parking space.
Having moved back to New Zealand after living in New York and London, they were used to living in tiny spaces, but they found that the Tardis-like cottage was much more spacious than they'd realised.
"There is no wasted space, there's lots of storage and there are different living areas to choose from," says Kimberly.
"It has also got a decent-sized back garden, which we've used a lot. It is so quiet and private -- you wouldn't know we're so close to the shops and restaurants on Ponsonby Rd."
Previous owners had given the house a loving makeover, keeping original features such as the kauri floors and exposed brickwork, but updating where needed.
An extension at the rear of the house contains a sleek, contemporary kitchen and dining space that opens up to the back garden. The kitchen has a stone bench top, plenty of cupboard space and bifold windows.
Upstairs, the bathroom has also been tastefully brought into the 21st century, with stylish tiling, a modern clawfoot bath and top-quality tapware, but a leadlight transom window and exposed brick are reminders of the house's heritage.
A skylight makes it a nice bright space, and there's a surprisingly big storage cupboard for toiletries.
"Considering the size of the house, there's a lot of storage space," says Kimberly. Pull-down stairs accessed from Kimberly and Nick's room lead up to an attic that's ideal for storing suitcases, out-of-season clothes and Christmas decorations.
The main bedroom has a view of the Sky Tower and the Waitakeres.
The second bedroom was an office until son Hudson came along 20 months ago. Pulling up carpet and lime-washing the wooden floors helped to create a perfect nursery.
Downstairs, there are two living areas as well as the kitchen.
The lounge next to the kitchen is where they do their television viewing, and thanks to the way it is set up, in the summertime Nick can open the window and watch the cricket while he's outside on the deck doing the barbecuing.
Next door, the front room has double doors out to the sunny balcony, which is a great spot for enjoying either a morning coffee or a glass of wine in the afternoon. "If we're sat out there people walking past will often stop and chat," says Nick.
"This part of Ponsonby has almost got a village feel," adds Kimberley.
They know how lucky they've been to have Ponsonby Central and other great eateries and shops at the end of the road.
There are plenty of parks nearby, and Herne Bay's beaches are within easy reach. Nick either walks or rides his scooter to his office in the city centre.
Having lived in major cities overseas, Kimberly and Nick have appreciated being so close to great facilities, yet having a home with private backyard with fruit trees and a garden shed. The house has gone with ease from being the perfect pad for young professionals, to a great family home. Now Hudson's getting more active, they've decided to move on to a bigger house.
"We're really sad to be leaving," says Kimberly. "It feels like we'll be leaving part of ourselves behind."
