Previously configured as a seven-bedroom rental with a floor plan adapted over many years, this home in sought-after Rose Road – just around the corner from Ponsonby’s boutiques, cafes and restaurants – had definitely seen better days when mother-daughter duo Pauline Preen and Hannah Kelly of property development firm The Bridge first saw it in 2023.
“It was a bit daring to take on such a significant rebuild, but we both felt that we needed to give this lovely old 1900s railway villa its dignity back – so we bought it,” says Pauline.
Hannah brought her design expertise to the project, immersing herself in the home’s history and original character and using those references to recreate elements of the past while reimagining the villa for contemporary living.
“She’s so good at that kind of thing, while I’m the one that makes things happen. I think that’s why we work so well together,” says Pauline.
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The comprehensive rebuilding process began with the appointment of architect Henri Sayes, who set about reimagining the entire property.
Because there was already a minor dwelling on the title, there was scope for greater site coverage, balancing the generous proportions of what would essentially become a brand-new house with enough garden to provide the all-important indoor-outdoor flow.
The architect’s design included a charming internal courtyard designed for outdoor cooking and dining. It’s reached via the enormous dining, living and kitchen zone, which is all open plan and bathed in sunshine.
Bespoke kitchen cabinetry is complemented by Fisher & Paykel appliances, including double ovens and double dishwashers. Every aspect, including the stone and timber finishes, has been meticulously considered.
The floor plan consists of three bedrooms, two bathrooms, off-street parking, open-plan living and an internal courtyard for outdoor cooking and dining. Photo / Supplied
Bespoke kitchen cabinetry is complemented by Fisher & Paykel appliances. Photo / Supplied
The striking light fittings were sourced by Hannah, drawing on her extensive design background, including time spent in London with Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, the internationally renowned firm behind the interiors of Broadwick Soho.
A combined scullery and laundry are cleverly tucked away adjacent to the kitchen and accessed via a pivot door, while the European-style main bathroom is inarguably worthy of five stars.
The master suite includes a spacious walk-in wardrobe and an elegant ensuite. Two further bedrooms are also extra-generous, and the media room could instead be used as a fourth bedroom or study if a new owner wished.
With such a special project, Pauline and Hannah wanted proven expertise in planning the garden, employing Xanthe White to create a simple yet remarkably effective scheme featuring plenty of green, leafy foliage and traditional flowers such as hydrangeas, blooming behind a classic white picket fence.
The master suite includes a spacious walk-in wardrobe and an elegant ensuite. Photo / Supplied
The villa was a seven-bedroom rental before mother and daughter bought it in 2023 and hired architect Henri Sayes to reimagine it. Photo / Supplied
Low-maintenance faux grass means there’s no mowing to worry about, while off-street parking adds convenience.
Pauline and Hannah both admit to having become emotionally attached to Rose Road, which is the sixth property they’ve developed together. “I could very easily be persuaded to move in,” says Pauline.
Agent Dermot Kelly, acting for the vendor, says this is one of the most striking transformations he’s ever seen in Grey Lynn.
“Despite a sluggish market in the past few years, there’s still a good deal of interest in tasteful, turn-key properties like this one and Pauline and Hannah have done an amazing job. It’s on par with a luxury high-end apartment, but of course number 40 is freehold with no body corporate fees,” he says.
40 Rose Road in Grey Lynn, Auckland, heads to auction on September 3.
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