With their rows of neat villas, constructed during the early 1900s, Paice Avenue and its near neighbours were some of early Mount Eden’s most sought-after streets.
Many of those homes fell into disrepair between the middle and end of last century but are now being restored by loving new owners, with Nicole and Leroy’s impressive effort at number 15 standing out as a perfect example of what can be achieved when cleverly combining old with new.
“When we bought the property in 2012, we knew it was going to be a big job, so we lived here for three years – really getting to know the house and the section,” says Nicole, explaining that she and Leroy were adamant they wanted to avoid building an addition that felt like a tacked-on box.
Designed in conjunction with Furze Architect and Design, the renovation involved removing structures at the rear that had been added by previous owners, before building a new extension housing an open-plan kitchen, dining and living space plus a separate media room.
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The entire project resulted in a home that is around 30% original and 70% new.
Guided by Auckland Council’s heritage specialists, an expert team – which included Nicole’s father and brother-in-law, who created the new kitchen – faithfully followed rules around period features and materials when tackling tasks such as replacing the original floorboards and adding double-glazing.
Nicole, who is a graphic designer, drew up plans for the new bathrooms and she says that all of the tradespeople who worked on the project enjoyed the chance to showcase their various crafts and skills.
The renovation involved removing structures at the rear before building a new extension housing an open-plan kitchen, dining and living space. Photo / Supplied
The entire project resulted in a home that is around 30% original and 70% new. Photo / Supplied
The front part of the house has four bedrooms, a family bathroom and an ensuite for the main bedroom. The transition from the original dwelling to the new part at the back is seamless and the couple have decorated the entire house in fresh, crisp colours inspired by nature.
Nicole says that it’s a wonderful home to live in and feels exceptionally spacious, thanks to the high ceilings and open spaces. The kitchen is an entertainer’s delight with twin ovens for the keen home cook and multiple prep areas – including a walk-in scullery.
Extensive decking and a level back lawn allow for alfresco dining in the summer sun and many happy occasions have been enjoyed there.
The 221sqm home has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, one garage and off-street parking. Photo / Supplied
The vendors are selling because they have a picturesque piece of land at Coatesville, where they are building from scratch. Photo / Supplied
An added bonus is the drive-through garage, which was added at the side of the house as part of Nicole and Leroy’s renovation. Garages are a rarity in the area where most homes pre-date mass car ownership.
Now with a young son, Kai, who is almost school age, Nicole and Leroy have been seduced by the prospect of rural life, buying a picturesque piece of land at Coatesville, where they are building from scratch.
Rachel Berry, from Ray White Mount Eden, says that attention to detail makes this home stand out, adding that it presents as close to brand new. “It’s a large, very stylish house, with an established garden and is absolutely perfect for a family.”
- 15 Paice Avenue, Mount Eden, Auckland, goes to auction on September 17
