SCHOOL ZONES:
Bayfield Primary, Ponsonby Intermediate and Western Springs College.
CONTACT:
Nic Blackie, 021 505 964, Custom Residential.
AUCTION:
May 25 on site at noon.
*Osp for 2 cars
Villas are beloved by Kiwis. With their soaring stud height and character features, it's easy to see why these century-old homes occupy such a special place in our hearts, even though they were not designed for sunshine. In line with Victorian sensibilities, the "best" face of villas, with their fretwork, verandas and bay windows, were almost always orientated to the street for appearances' sake, regardless of the site.
When Meg and Richard 'Aho first saw their Albany Rd villa in 2010, they loved its appearance, as well as tree-lined Albany Rd itself.
"The house was handy to Jervois Rd and we also liked the fact it had an extra bedroom and a study," Meg says.
The family had been living in Westmere, but with one child, Lucas, now 7, and another on the way, Violet, now 5, Meg and Richard felt they could do with some extra room. Since then, Neve, 2, has joined the family.
What the 'Aho family really came to appreciate living at 17 Albany Rd was how perfectly positioned this villa is for sun. The morning sun streams into the master bedroom, which features a gracious bay window. Three further bedrooms face north. A spacious kitchen, dining and living extension faces northwest and enjoys all-day rays.
A large, north-facing deck, with built-in seating and an electronically controlled retractable awning, has been a popular hang-out spot for Lucas, Violet and Neve. "They've spent hours out here on their bikes or sitting on the steps. We've even had a trampoline here on the deck," Meg says.
Image 1 of 6: Sun-soaked four-bedroom villa with office has just what a growing family needs -- space. Photos / Ted Baghurst
The house was already renovated when the family moved in. Lucas and Violet shared the front, right-hand bedroom, which has a decorative fireplace surround. Neve's bedroom was next along. The fourth bedroom, with a door that opens on to the deck, was used by the 'Ahos as a playroom. The study is alongside the kitchen.
"This little study has been such a bonus because many people have to give up a bedroom to have a study. This has been great for the kids."
Meg also points out the home's copious storage, with a large linen cupboard and additional storage in the hall, along with extensive wardrobe space in the bedrooms, including a walk-in wardrobe in the master bedroom suite.
The bathrooms are both generous in size. The family bathroom sports a traditional clawfoot bath, a lovely foil for its contemporary tapware. The master en suite has a double shower.
The kitchen has a composite stone island benchtop, with a gas cooktop and double dishdrawers. A built-in sideboard matches the kitchen and is the perfect overflow storage space.
"There's a larger cupboard in the island bench," says Meg. "And enough room on the island for three bar stools."
The living area is warmed by a gas fireplace. There is also central heating and underfloor heating in the bathrooms.
"But really, this house is so warm we barely used the underfloor heating."
Large sliders open the living area up to the deck outside. The rear garden, with its titoki, ponga and palms, is easy-care, according to Meg.
The front of the house is beautifully landscaped and features an electric gate for security. There's tandem parking down the side of the house, partially covered by a carport, as well as a shed and access to storage space under the house.
After six happy years here among "awesome neighbours", Meg, Richard and the children have just moved to nearby Francis St after falling for another property.
