When it comes to heritage transformations, they always work at their very best when the perfect balance of yesterday and today is achieved.
This is most definitely the case at 13 Hector Street, a transitional bungalow that’s been beautifully refreshed, reworked and expanded this year.
The work was undertaken by Matt Stringer, who is renowned for his quality developments and high-end residential projects. Along with its premium Herne Bay location, Matt was instantly enticed by the home’s great bones and enormous potential.
“It’d had the same owners for almost 50 years and was completely untouched. It was a very original bungalow but in good condition,” he says.
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“It’s elevated from the street on the sunny side with no neighbours behind it. It was a lovely, well-looked after house that needed bringing into the 20th century.”
The meticulous renovation included digging out underneath to create another level, as well as extensively landscaping and putting the heated pool in out the back.
With family functionality and separation in mind, the new floor plan upstairs now incorporates three bedrooms (including the luxury master ensuite with views to the Sky Tower), the family bathroom and grand, open living, dining and chef’s kitchen spaces that flow out privately poolside.
Downstairs offers a media room, another bedroom, bathroom and garage – perfect for a classic car or home gym.
Matt says that everything from front to back has been updated and extended, but done with the utmost respect for the bungalow heritage.
“Everything is brand new but we’ve retained all of the original features – the ceilings, wall panelling and nice archway. Anything that wasn’t pristine, we made it new but you wouldn’t be able to tell it’s been updated. We made it look like it did 100 years ago.”
The transitional bungalow has been beautifully refreshed, reworked and expanded this year. Photo / Supplied
The meticulous renovation included digging out underneath to create another level, extensive landscaping and installing a heated pool in the back. Photo / Supplied
It’s also got all the benefits of a new build. “Everything is double glazed apart from the old leadlight windows, which you can’t do. People do, don’t get me wrong, but it looks awful.”
Matt enlisted interior designer Katie Scott from Sticks+Stones Design to refine the interiors and says she’s done an amazing job.
Katie says she’s created a modern-day take on a transitional bungalow here.
“It’s got a real resort feel to it, with the pool at the back and the palms. It feels like an oasis but it’s very central. I used soft tones, including natural travertine stone, but achieved the heritage feel at the same time with features like herringbone tiles and classic panelled glass.”
Hector Street is a quiet, tucked-away cul-de-sac, with the school and kindy just up the road and all of Jervois Road’s restaurants, bars and boutiques within easy walking distance. Bayfield Park and Cox’s Bay Park are at the end of the street.
Interior designer Katie Scott from Sticks+Stones Design was recruited to refine the interiors. Photo / Supplied
The 230sqm home sits on a 408sqm section and has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living areas and parking. Photo / Supplied
There are two additional secure off-street carparks on the property, which is unique for the area. With the high-spec transformation now complete, Matt is thrilled with the finished result.
“It’s come up so well, I couldn’t be happier. It’s ready for someone to come in and just put their feet up,” he says.
Rachel Berry, from Ray White, is selling the property and says Matt’s aim was to create something worthy of the Herne Bay location and that his solid CV and excellent reputation will give prospective buyers ultimate peace of mind.
“It’s beautiful. The finishings are of a very high standard and he’s created spaces which are ideal for families or downsizers who want to move in and have absolutely nothing to do. It’s on a really quiet street. You drop down off Jervois Road and go from the hustle and bustle of Herne Bay and to the tranquillity of Hector Street.”
13 Hector Street in Herne Bay, Auckland, goes to auction on July 1.
- Sponsored by Ray White
