“It certainly needed quite a bit of surgery,” says Andrew McDade, recalling the moment he first set eyes on what was unarguably the worst house in the best street: a typical 1900s grand dame of a villa, with a return veranda on a generous site in this popular city fringe suburb.
Home to one Chinese family – the Gins, for 70 years, the property that they had bought for £3000 in 1955 was much-loved, and many generations had created wonderful memories there, but it was also overdue for a well-planned and executed push into the 21st century.
As a realist, Andrew knew there was a significant task ahead, but he could already see that the rewards would be numerous, especially when it came to optimising the elevated corner site for privacy, and maximum sunshine – something he has done thoughtfully and cleverly.
Having undertaken similar rebuilds and renovations, he had a great team of skilled tradespeople who appreciated the property’s intrinsic appeal and the importance of retaining or replacing special features like lacework and fretwork.
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“Every single aspect of what you see today is either brand new or has been lovingly restored to as-new condition,” Andrew reports.
In the freshly re-imagined layout, once numerous separate rooms now breathe easy, making up a very generous open-plan zone for the ultra-chic and well-appointed kitchen – complete with a cleverly concealed scullery, and its expansive, surrounding, dining and family living areas – all opening to extensive decking, both covered and uncovered.
Family fun is guaranteed with a pool, surrounded by fast-growing, easy-care, subtropical plantings and the bonus of a wet bar.
Among Andrew’s biggest challenges was the creation of a garage. This painstaking process saw the house suspended on steel beams during excavations below. Garages are a rarity in this part of town and internal access is almost unheard of, so this is a major asset.
Family fun is guaranteed with a pool, surrounded by fast-growing, easy-care, subtropical plantings and the bonus of a wet bar. Photo / Supplied
“Every single aspect of what you see today is either brand new or has been lovingly restored to as-new condition,” says the homeowner. Photo / Supplied
The 309sqm residence sits on a 547sqm section and has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, multiple living areas and double garaging. Photo / Supplied
Only the very best materials were used in fitting out the sophisticated European-style bathrooms, the laundry area, and the stunning walk-in closet adjacent to the generous primary suite. Textures and colours throughout the home are all very natural and relaxing.
Andrew recently invited members of the Gin family to come and review the fruits of his and his team’s labours. Not surprisingly, there were tears – and expressions of absolute amazement.
Andrew feels sure that another family is likely to move into this exceptional home, which is 100% turnkey – and love it just as much as they did.
“This wonderful spot is close to Grey Lynn, as well as to Ponsonby,” says agent Robyn Ellson.
Ray White agent Robyn Ellson: “I think I can safely say that this is one of the most incredible villa makeovers I have ever seen – with no expense spared!” Photo / Supplied
Only the very best materials were used in fitting out the sophisticated European-style bathrooms, the laundry area, and the walk-in closet. Photo / Supplied
“And I think I can safely say that this is one of the most incredible villa makeovers I have ever seen – with no expense spared! It’s actually quite hard to describe the level of quality we have here.”
She says that for anybody to take a property from completely original beginnings and produce such a sensational modern home without sacrificing a single aspect of its innate charm is a rare skill, but Andrew’s efforts have truly paid off.
“If there was ever a truly forever family home, this is it!”
122 Crummer Road in Grey Lynn, Auckland, heads to auction on June 17.
- Sponsored by Ray White
