First impressions can be deceptive. When Chris and Klara Were saw beyond the tall, imposing front door to this Parnell home, they were surprised to find an exceptionally modern interior.
"This row of houses was built in the 1930s as Fletcher Construction show homes but the owners before us transformednumber 38 and it now has all the features and convenience of a new house," says Chris.
"What really sold it to us was the view," says Czech-born Klara, who has lived in New Zealand for 11 years. "Ayr Reserve is protected and can't be built upon, so this lovely scene with its native bush will never disappear."
The couple, who have two children, Maya, 5, and Jimmy, 2, plus another on the way, realised the home would be perfect for a young family, with a compact lawn, heated swimming pool and easy access between the neighbourhood houses.
"Next door's kids use our pool, and our two go and jump on their trampoline," Klara says. "It all works out perfectly."
The house is set on three levels. The living floor contains a huge kitchen with scullery, and a vast, airy, dining and living area. It opens to a patio with an outdoor fireplace.
"Over our eight years here, we've had many parties, as you can imagine," says Chris.
A tech centre houses all the audio-visual equipment for the house, including music and state-of-the-art security features. The internal garage entrance is here, too.
Also on this floor is Chris's favourite spot, the media room. "It's my man-cave," he says of the warm, inviting room which has practical and attractive built-in shelves for books, DVDs and mementoes.
And finally, one of the five toilets in the house is on this floor -- a small but elegant room with dramatic black wallpaper.
Upstairs is where the family sleeps.
Maya and Jimmy share a bedroom, simply because they like to, and they have their own en suite.
Along the hallway, Chris and Klara's bedroom is generous with views of the harbour and a spacious walk-in wardrobe that leads to their bathroom.
Image 1 of 6: Parents, teens and 'man cave' enthusiasts will be delighted with this centrally located property
"The children are a bit too young to sleep downstairs," says Klara. "It would be ideal for teenagers down there," she says.
There are two further bedrooms with extensive wardrobes, a full family bathroom and a big living area, which offer garden and pool views.
A spacious laundry incorporates indoor drying space, making it ideal for a typically soggy Auckland winter.
With Newmarket and Parnell on the doorstep, the Weres are keen weekend walkers.
"We like the farmers' market at the Blind Foundation and the French market over at La Cigale. There are loads of lovely cafes nearby and if you want to to go into the city, a Link bus drives along the bottom of the road regularly."
