SCHOOL ZONES:
Freemans Bay School, Ponsonby Intermediate, Western Springs College, Auckland Girls Grammar.
CONTACT:
Marty Hall, Ray White, 0274 500168.
AUCTION:
March 18.
*Plus one off-street.
Freemans Bay stalwarts Doug and Sandra Stockwell reckon they've got the best of both worlds given their home's pretty Victorian-influenced front conceals a super modern interior.
Sandra says: "People really don't expect to walk down the hallway to find this amazing double-height modern living space."
Natural light floods industrial accents in this contemporary rear spread, some pouring through glass panels in two large roof lights set into soaring ceilings.
"It's great looking up through the glass at planes and helicopters passing overhead or at storms rolling over," says Sandra.
The pair heeded the advice of local ladies they chatted to at Freemans Bay open homes in the 90s. They advised them, "If you buy around here you won't want to leave".
They bought further down England Street 20 years ago. But by the time they were ready to start a major renovation there, this 1895 Victorian villa came on the market and sparked their imagination.
Doug says: "We immediately saw potential in this property's sunny elevated position and corner site."
John Eaglen (of Eaglen Maingay & Associates) designed their 2005-2006 large-scale renovation. He used to be Doug's business partner in a construction company which built many architecturally designed high-end homes.
First, the house was lifted up on blocks to excavate and build a full masonry lower level. The front few metres of the original weatherboard home and its kauri floor were retained; an original steep-roofed gable replicated by another alongside.
Image 1 of 8: Behind the Victorian facade lies a world of soaring steel, glass and glamour
By the time they'd finished building underneath, to the side, and out the back, the home had tripled in size.
Doug says: "The house was effectively rebuilt from the ground up."
Number 33's street presence blends prettiness with urban smartness; character detailing such as its bay and fretwork picked out in white against a grey background.
It's one block down from Franklin Rd on the corner of England St and Gunson St, opposite compact Ireland Reserve where the annual street party is held. The Stockwells find it easy to access motorways, nip to Ponsonby Rd with their Brussels griffon Bella, or walk to the local gym, the waterfront or the city.
When they throw parties the main floor's front library-media room offers guests a quieter alternative space. Stained original kauri floors unify the library, hallway and the kitchen-dining-lounge opening to a rear garden by Humphreys Landscaping.
Doug says: "It's surprisingly private."
Distinctive living features include a steel staircase screened with conveyor belt mesh and a window-seat corner that opens up uninterrupted to the outside, enabled by massive cantilevered beams hidden behind walls.
As well as being retail manager of a pharmacy for many years, Sandra did some chef's training. The kitchen where she loves to cook has extras such as a second oven and butler's pantry. She cemented her passion for interior design doing a three-year Nanette Cameron course.
Tricia Guild wallpapers and shutters add detail in most bedrooms. Three bedrooms have en suites, a bathroom accompanies the fourth and there's a mid-level powder room. Upstairs' master suite boasts a two-person bath and front balcony with city and Rangitoto Island views.
"I like sitting on the balcony with a coffee first thing in the morning, watching the sunrise welcoming you to the day," says Sandra.
The lower level with additional front entrance has the flexibility to suit a work-from-home set-up or extended family. A front living area or office accompanies a bedroom, bathroom, immaculate laundry and storage room.
Off-street parking for at least one car precedes the internal-access double garage.
The couple are selling, excited about a new project which will be the third house they've owned in this street in 20 years.
