You’d expect that an award-winning designer’s home to be something very special in its own right, and the modern, three-level, end-terrace townhouse Jennie Dunlop, of Dunlop Design, shares with husband Peter in Saint Marys Bay’s historic Tweed Street is indeed imbued with eye-catching style statements – and a general sense of space well-utilised.
“We bought here 17 years ago and love the location so close to Ponsonby. We have our own body corporate, and it works very well,” says Jennie.
She and Peter reworked their own interior in a substantial project which involved building an extension and moving the kitchen completely – from one side of the main level to the other.
“I was told that it couldn’t be done but I was very determined,” Jennie says, adding that while the transformation required a major engineering effort, the result was well worth the amount of work involved.
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That kitchen, with its dramatic green Brazilian quartz granite island, engineered stone benchtops, plus integrated high-end appliances, is now adjacent to an expansive living and entertaining area where 10 dinner party guests can be seated around a large table with plenty of room for hosts to circulate serving food and drinks, with extra space when needed on the north-facing terrace.
There is also a super-sophisticated guest powder room on this floor.
The thoughtful layout continues with a guest suite – complete with bathroom – on the ground level, as well as a walk-through laundry and double garage plus Jennie’s office, which has its own exterior door, meaning clients can visit without coming through the main entrance.
Jennie Dunlop and husband Peter reworked their own interior in a substantial project which involved building an extension and moving the kitchen. Photo / Supplied
The super-sophisticated guest powder room. Photo / Supplied
The primary suite on the top floor is literally the height of luxury with a generous dressing room, sophisticated bathroom with its own built-in TV and study. The third bedroom – also on this level – is currently being used by Peter as his “mancave”. It, too, has an elegant ensuite.
Given the superior quality of the home’s interior, it follows that the garden is equally breathtaking.
Jennie says while landscaping isn’t one of her official skills, it’s something that comes very naturally to her and she has created courtyard gardens for a number of clients.
However, none are quite as spectacular as her own – a Balinese-style sub-tropical oasis showcasing striking cycads, mature frangipani trees, along with vireyas and camellia hedging, adding a vivid splash of colour.
The kitchen, with its dramatic green Brazilian quartz granite island, has engineered stone benchtops and integrated high-end appliances. Photo / Supplied
The striking oasis showcases cycads, mature frangipani trees, vireyas and camellia hedging, a large open fireplace and cushions that add a vivid splash of colour. Photo / Supplied
A large open fireplace provides a focal point and warmth on cooler evenings while imaginative use of outdoor lighting enhances the exotic atmosphere. This sheltered, extremely private garden provides a relaxing oasis year-round.
Elaine Ferguson, from Ray White, was a natural choice to market Jennie’s property as they share a mutual love for classic, contemporary design.
“Jennie’s attention to fine detail is obvious everywhere you look in this special home, from the stunning kitchen cabinetry to the French oak flooring – it all comes together perfectly just a few short steps from Jervois Road, within easy reach of the city,” she says.
2D Tweed Street in Saint Marys Bay, Auckland, is for sale by a set date, closing October 9.
- Sponsored by Ray White
