She’d turned ugly real estate ducklings into swans before, but the project facing Emma Hanover at Red Beach was her biggest challenge yet – and definitely not one for the faint-hearted.
The property’s history was colourful, with the 1920s character home having begun its life in Auckland’s Herne Bay – or St Heliers – she isn’t quite sure which, before being moved to Whangaparaoa sometime during the mid-1980s.
“Sadly, at some stage since, it seems to have been practically abandoned and left to deteriorate really badly,” says Emma, who could see the villa’s lovely bones and huge potential for refurbishment as soon as she laid eyes on it – under the strict conditions of a Health and Safety waiver.
Having secured the property, Emma launched into an intense programme of work, bringing it back to life in a very caring, thoughtful, way, using high-quality materials throughout, with a Hamptons-style prototype in mind.
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“I’ve spent the equivalent of building from scratch to completely transform every aspect of the property, while keeping the manor-like feel and original aspects like stained glass windows,” she says.
The home has been repainted inside and out, and all of the plumbing and electrical work has been redone. The conservatory has been updated too, retaining the original bricks where possible.
While the house is currently arranged as four bedrooms and an office for working from home, it could easily be five bedrooms, and the primary suite boasts an enormous bathroom as well as a dressing room.
The kitchen, dining and living spaces are bright and airy and Emma is especially pleased with the light-coloured timber floors. With its cool, coastal style the house is complemented by the lush garden, which has the laid-back feel of a tropical resort, with well-established palm trees and a newly restored swimming pool.
The renovated home is arranged as four bedrooms, an office, three bathrooms, garaging and off-street parking, multiple living areas, a conservatory and a swimming pool on a generous-sized section. Photo / Supplied
The kitchen, dining and living spaces are bright and airy. Photo / Supplied
The 1920s character home started life in either Herne Bay or St Heliers, before being moved to Whangaparaoa. Photo / Supplied
Emma says that the surrounding homes in this quiet enclave are owner-occupied.
“They’re all very nice people and they were so pleased seeing 147B coming back to life. They’re really looking forward to having new neighbours here.”
Emma is especially proud of the way she’s neatly tied all aspects of the property together.
“I literally just love old houses,” she says, admitting that it will be hard to say goodbye and move on to another renovation.
Jo Burnard is thrilled to be marketing Emma’s impressive home, noting that most other local properties are simple beach houses or dwellings with a more modern vibe.
The conservatory has been updated too, retaining the original bricks where possible. Photo / Supplied
The property has a cool, coastal style. Photo / Supplied
“There’s just nothing quite like this beautiful old homestead here at the gateway to Whangaparaoa Peninsula and someone leaving Auckland for a quieter life but still wanting a house and garden with character – and incredible privacy – as well as easy access to the motorway, will find it very appealing indeed.”
She says she’s in awe of what Emma has achieved in a relatively short time – and without cutting any corners.
“As the new owner, when you go down that driveway, surrounded by other high-quality homes, you’ll be leaving the world behind you to enjoy a true luxury retreat.”
147b Whangaparaoa Road in Red Beach, Rodney, goes to auction on August 1.
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