The classic combination of a 1940s bungalow and a flat section were the starting points for a couple who have extended and transformed the home throughout, creating an up-to-the-minute environment for easy living.
Eunice and her husband Kai bought here in late 2022, attracted by the location, solid bungalow exterior and 635sqm level grounds.
Eunice says: “The original plan was to extend its floor plan, which was under 100sqm, modernise it throughout with quality materials and for this to become our own family home.
“But now we have a second child on the way, and both sets of grandparents planning extended stays with us, so we’ve decided to sell the property instead. We really like the home we’ve created and neighbours and friends are very impressed too.”
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When they bought it, the bungalow was in tidy but somewhat dated condition, with one living area, three bedrooms, one bathroom and a little powder room. They worked with an architect to perfect the layout, which includes striking rear open-plan living, flooded with natural light under a stunning vaulted ceiling.
At 220sqm the size of the floor plan more than doubled if you include the new standalone separate garage. They rewired and replumbed throughout, installing multiple heat pumps.
Eunice says: “We changed almost everything inside to create really modern living. We loved choosing excellent materials and fittings.”
The bungalow is only about five properties away from the villas renovated in 2015’s The Block: Villa Wars.
At 220sqm the size of the floor plan more than doubled after the renovation if you include the new standalone separate garage. Photo / Supplied
The striking rear open-plan living is flooded with natural light under a stunning vaulted ceiling. Photo / Supplied
Eunice says: “We really liked this suburb which is convenient to the CBD, to shopping malls like Westfield Newmarket and St Lukes and to all the Dominion Road eateries. Plus it’s zoned for Mt Albert Grammar.”
Entry to the property is now via the new Wi-Fi-enabled electric gate and unstructured planting has been replaced by a front concrete parking pad alongside lawn, putting the focus on neat buxus hedging fronting the home. The driveway culminates in a new rear, standalone single garage.
The hallway has a pull-down ladder to substantial extra storage in the roof cavity and oak timber overlay flooring which is carried through to the open-plan living spaces.
Replacing a front living room with the master suite allowed the addition of a walk-in wardrobe and smart ensuite. A sunroom off the master bedroom features picturesque leadlights and a door out to a north-facing side deck. It can alternatively be a work-from-home space or a private area for parents to relax.
Three other good-sized bedrooms off the hallway are accompanied by a luxurious, fully tiled main bathroom with a freestanding bath and oversized shower. A smart separate laundry is another new addition.
The kitchen includes brand new Asko appliances, a Baumatic wine fridge, premium porcelain benchtops plus separate butler’s pantry. Photo / Supplied
Wide-opening bifold doors create easy flow out to the rear deck topped by a louvred roof and level rear lawn. Photo / Supplied
The expansive rear open-plan living-dining-kitchen faces west. It’s striking, both for the height of its vaulted ceiling and the quality of its finishes.
The kitchen includes brand new Asko appliances, a Baumatic wine fridge, premium porcelain benchtops plus separate butler’s pantry. Wide-opening bifold doors create easy flow out to the rear deck topped with a louvred roof and to level rear lawn.
Ray White’s Mike Robson says: “The vendor has done an impressive renovation with quality and relaxed living in mind. The design of the lounge, flow to deck and the flat back lawn will be the envy of the neighbourhood.
“With this great street and central location, we are expecting strong interest in this one.”
52 Renfrew Avenue in Sandringham, Auckland, is for sale by auction on July 2.
- Sponsored by Ray White
