Although they’d done up bungalows in the past, Mark and Trudy were instantly taken by the infinite potential their mid-century Mount Albert home presented.
Recapturing the modernist magic was top of mind in their inspired reimagining of the 1966 original, as was transforming it into a luxurious and practical family home.
“We’ve done a full renovation, including double glazing, re-roofing, re-cladding, insulating and new bathrooms,” says Trudy.
“We had an architect onboard – James Downey – and we worked with him for close to a year finalising plans and getting everything exactly how we envisaged it. It’s come to fruition and is amazing – it’s a beautiful home. We’ve modernised it but with a mid-century nod, so it’s still got that retro feel, and we love that.”
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They enjoyed the process and results so much, they’re off to do it again.
“We bought this as our 10-year home and we’ve been here 13. It was quite a big project and we’re now ready for our next one – this is what we want again, to do up another mid-century. They’re so cool.”
Aficionados of the style will recognise the distinctive design hallmarks here – clean lines, open floor plans, natural materials, walls of glass and plenty of colour and texture.
“I went quite bold with my colour and tile choices, including pop art tiles in the laundry, and I’ve used lovely burnt orange in a couple of rooms.”
Trudy and Mark have not only elevated the look and feel but also reworked some areas to make them more functional.
“One of the main objectives of our renovation and architect’s scope was to create an entrance,” she says.
The mid-century home has five bedrooms, three bathrooms and garaging for two vehicles. Photo / Supplied
“I went quite bold with my colour and tile choices, including pop art tiles in the laundry, and I’ve used lovely burnt orange in a couple of rooms,” one of the owners says. Photo / Supplied
“The main entry door used to be from the middle level on the side of the house, and people would arrive and wonder where the front door was. It was a huge engineering feat but we have created a beautiful entry on both levels. Our builders, KDB Construction, did an amazing job.”
The flowing floor plan has worked beautifully for their family.
“The interesting thing about this house is that every bedroom is on a corner of the house with a view, so there’s not a long hallway with all the bedrooms off it, it’s quite cool in that way. There’s a whole middle level with two double bedrooms, a big lounge, bathroom and a gym with kitchenette.
“We had two teenage sons when we moved in here and it was just perfect, as all our living was upstairs, and they could hang out downstairs with their mates. It worked really well but now the boys are gone so it’s just us rattling around.”
Upstairs offers two more bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as key living and dining spaces and the kitchen. Internal garaging is located on the ground floor. The extraordinary outlook was another aspect that the couple were instantly sold on.
“When we bought the house, we bought it standing on the deck looking out at the view, we didn’t look back at the interior until afterwards,” Trudy laughs.
“It’s a really elevated view and people have said it’s like you’re sitting in a plane hovering over the city – it is amazing. The house sits in the sun all day as its north-facing, and you can see right up the harbour and out to Rangitoto, and Coromandel on a nice day. The views out the front are always changing with the seasons, it’s pretty spectacular.
The owners hired architect James Downey to assist them with the full renovation of their home. Photo / Supplied
The ground-floor entry is modern but retains a retro feel. Photo / Supplied
“It’s a really warm home and with double glazing we rarely need heating – we put a gas fireplace in but purely for ambiance because we hardly need to use it.”
Large eaves out the front mean the decks can be enjoyed all year round and the fact that the property is tucked into the side of Mount Albert also provides lovely protection.
“We’re sheltered by the Owairaka Maunga behind us so we don’t get lots of wind and it’s very private out the back. The spa area is nestled amongst the trees and into the mountain. We’ve got a gate that actually takes you through onto the reserve, so you have access to huge parks, soccer fields and walks for exercise.”
The couple are now ready for their next project.
“It’s all done and finished so now it’s time to look for something else to work on. Someone can move in here now and not have to do a thing.”
Emma Duncan, from Ray White, is marketing the property and says, “owning this home offers you a true mark of distinction. The address alone is one of the most coveted in the area, along with the house showcasing elegant architecture, which will command attention and admiration”.
“The grand scale of size, spread out over three levels, will really appeal to the modern day family. The views are also some of the most unique in the area.”
13 Sadgrove Terrace in Mount Albert, Auckland, is on the market for sale by auction on May 21.
- Sponsored by Ray White
