Properties in Epsom, close to desirable schools and transport links are always tightly held so when a large, subdivided site in popular Wapiti Avenue came to market in 2022, Steve Langerak of Structured Builders saw a unique opportunity.
Work began with the construction of a large modern mansion on 27A at the rear before he and his team turned their attention to number 27.
“We were conscious that it sat in a high heritage category and would involve significant consultation around planning and consents,” Steve says.
“In fact, we had to begin by picking the whole house up and moving it forward.”
Start your property search
The property had been in the same family for many decades and was so completely original that Steve and his team even discovered a long-forgotten well in the garden, during excavations.
While its essential character remains, the once-tired house is now completely transformed.
Even the front porch was removed and rebuilt, as well as all the fretwork, the soffits, the sash windows (which are double-glazed) and the chimneys. The latter was an especially major undertaking as the existing bricks had to be re-cut as tiles, then glued on.
“So, essentially the front third of the villa is the same, but with brand-new everything, including timber joinery, floor and wall framing and the gib system, while the back is a complete new build,” says Steve.
The full-width Italian designer kitchen enjoys high-end Gaggenau appliances and benchtops with splashbacks by Dekton, while the Taj Mahal marble bar and splashback makes a bold style statement. Photo / Supplied
The elegant bathrooms are five-star quality, with Italian tiles from Casa Italiana and attractive modern taps and vanities from Plumbline, plus underfloor heating. Photo / Supplied
Describing the layout, he explains that upon stepping inside the front door there’s a guest bedroom with ensuite on the left and two lounges on the right – one formal, and one for family.
Next comes a toilet and utility room then beyond that is the breathtaking, full-width Italian designer kitchen.
It enjoys high-end Gaggenau appliances and benchtops with splashbacks by Dekton, while the Taj Mahal marble bar and splashback makes a bold style statement and there’s a cleverly hidden door to the scullery and laundry.
The elegant bathrooms are also five-star-plus quality, with Italian tiles from Casa Italiana and attractive modern taps and vanities from Plumbline, plus underfloor heating.
Up the very modern staircase, three super-stylish bedrooms are served by the family bathroom and an ensuite in the master, plus what is literally the icing on the cake – a fifth bedroom, or movie room with skylights.
“It’s my favourite room in the house,” says Steve.
Barfoot & Thompson agent Wendy Sadd says: “This looks like a classic villa – packed with character, yet it’s absolutely brand new.” Photo / Supplied
While its essential character remains, the once-tired house is now completely transformed. Photo / Supplied
“Overall, we had to do all our work throughout within the existing lines, and I think the outcome is amazing.”
With the build finally finished, Steve held a small get together on-site, so the builders and craftspeople involved in the project could show their partners the remarkable results.
“We’re all incredibly proud of it.”
Wendy Sadd, of Barfoot & Thompson, says this is one of the most impressive properties she’s marketed in 25 years.
“It’s modern, luxurious, elegant and sophisticated and I’ve never seen such close attention paid to detail before. No expense has been spared here, and the result of all the hard work involved speaks for itself. This looks like a classic villa – packed with character, yet it’s absolutely brand new.”
27 Wapiti Avenue in Epsom, Auckland, is on the market for sale by auction on May 21.
- Sponsored by Barfoot & Thompson
