"The house we moved from was hard to replace and it took 18 months to find what we wanted because we had strict criteria," says Carolyn.
Their new property had to be elevated, north-facing, in a good, quiet street with no flats either side, close to shops in an established, friendly community.
Sargisson, who had already worked with the Eedes on three homes, saw the potential of moving this bungalow forward to create more north-facing outdoor living space.
"He knew exactly how we liked to live, including how much we enjoy natural light in the house and for it to connect well to the outside. That's probably something to do with all the time we spend on boats."
During a major 14-month renovation, which Tony, a builder, worked on and project-managed, the house was shifted 3m towards the road, excavated underneath to form a basement level and had a third level added upstairs. The renovation has transformed it into a spacious, family-friendly environment with excellent indoor-out living spaces, seriously stylish interiors and state-of-the-art fittings, wiring and appliances, including a Studio Italia kitchen.
Interior designer Bridget Hanley, who owns Mid Century Design on Parnell Rise and is a neighbour and friend of the Eedes, has had a strong hand in choosing the decor. She has chosen timeless, restful interior colours, lighting and furnishings for the house, which blend modern and traditional aesthetics with elegant, individual flair.
Landscape designer Jan Hart has helped with the planting scheme and hard landscaping, including a clever, zig-zag front fence that checks in from the boundary. As well as being great for busy family living and easy entertaining, the house has excellent utility spaces and quiet areas for retreat.
The magnificent top-level master bedroom with generous en suite, walk-in wardrobe, sunny windowseat and great views over Hobson Bay is Carolyn's favourite "private place". Also on this level is another bedroom with en suite and a small study off the landing.
A large entrance lobby on the mid-level leads to an open-plan living, dining and kitchen which steps out to generous decks and paved areas on the house's north and east sides - excellent sheltered spaces for outdoor relaxation.
Two double bedrooms, an office, bathroom, powder room and large laundry are on this level.
New sliding tongue-and-groove doors which, like other aspects of the renovation are in keeping with the home's original era, can be closed to divide the open-plan living from the lobby. A matching door divides the main living from an adjoining second lounge/media room where original kauri boards are left exposed on one wall in a clever nod to the home's heritage.
The basement includes a large utility room with sink, and double internal-access garage with spare room for storage or a workshop. A separate, original garage on the corner site, which borders Glanville Tce, could easily be converted into a studio.
With two daughters now living overseas and the third at Canterbury University, the Eedes have decided to downsize.
