With Alex Jeffery’s industry background, undertaking this stunning Grey Lynn renovation was a no-brainer.
“I’ve got a building company, so I really can’t not,” he laughs. He’s managing director of Jeffery Construction, known for their heritage restorations, renovations and extensions.
“It’s a single bay character overlay villa, which is predominantly what my company specialises in. We do architectural extensions and refurbishments of those types of houses, so I’m naturally drawn to them.
“It’s quite a nice one and there’s five of them in a row that are all the same, so it’s a nice looking pocket of houses.”
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As well as the home’s era and style, the incredibly central location was another key attraction, as it’s just a five-minute walk from the beating heart of vibrant Ponsonby Road.
“It’s elevated up over Williamson Ave, so at night you get all the lights of the buildings and all the apartment buildings up on Great North Road, which is a really nice aspect.”
While the immaculate dual-level residence is now a showpiece of design style and a refined balance of old and new, it looked far from it when Jeffery and partner Caitlin Lomas first arrived. They’ve transformed it not just cosmetically but also significantly structurally.
“It was in terrible condition when we bought it, we’ve done a lot of work. I went a bit overboard to be honest.”
New features include double glazing, central gas heating, an HRV system and white shutters throughout.
The top floor’s classic villa footprint sees three double bedrooms located off the entrance hall, which flows into the open-plan living, dining and kitchen space and out to the large west-facing deck.
The open-plan living, dining and kitchen space flows out to the large west-facing deck. Photo / Supplied
The back garden has been retained and levelled, and some trees have been planted on the boundary for privacy. Photo / Supplied
In terms of the interior styling, the vision was to maximise the open feel with a light-hued palette.
“I got the white American oak flooring from Forte and had the kitchen cabinetry colour matched to the floors, then there’s paonazzo marble on the island and back bench.”
A large skylight illuminates the room and pulls in sun from the north, which is particularly helpful in winter. The ground floor has been expanded and reworked to become a generous, flexible space with a large lounge, laundry, full bathroom and storage.
“It could easily be another bedroom but we use it as second living/veg out area.”
The lounge opens out to a generous covered deck and level lawns.
“The back garden was all over the show when we bought it, so we retained and levelled it all and planted some trees on the boundary for privacy.”
The kitchen cabinetry colour was matched to the white American oak flooring, and there’s paonazzo marble on the island and back bench. Photo / Supplied
A large skylight illuminates the room and pulls in sun from the north, which is particularly helpful in winter. Photo / Supplied
A change in family dynamics and opportunity for a new challenge has compelled a move.
“It was just the two of us initially and we’d planned to stay a lot longer, but we’ve had a child and intend to have another, plus we’re itching to do something else, so now is probably the time to do it.”
Edward Pack, from Bayleys, says Jeffery’s reputation precedes him here.
“He’s one of the best builders around and you’re buying his family home. It’s a testament to the craftsmanship and quality of the work he creates. He’s left no stone unturned in terms of the materials throughout.
“The more time I spend there, the more I appreciate the finer details around the property – from the light switches to the joinery and the integrated fridge freezer.”
Pack says that so far, the property has appealed to a wide range of buyers.
“Murdoch is a very quiet street as it’s not a thoroughfare, however you’re just one block back from Ponsonby Road, so it’s appealed to professional people, young families and downsizers.”
- 16 Murdoch Road in Grey Lynn, Auckland, is for sale by auction, August 20
