After owning a three-storey home in a sometimes-hilly neighbourhood the ease of living in this graceful single-level masonry villa in Sandringham has been a revelation for owners Raewyn and Graham.
“We came here about eight years ago from a St Marys Bay home with lots of stairs,” Raewyn says. “We’ve loved living here and loved how easy it is to walk around Sandringham’s level neighbourhood.”
3 Halesowen Ave is in a tree-lined avenue, yet only about 100 metres’ walk from Sandringham’s restaurant hub and a little over 10 minutes’ walk from St Lukes mall.
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The rear extension incorporating open-plan living and the private rear grounds are orientated to the west. Photo / Supplied
The character of this 1915 villa appealed, as did its solid masonry construction, which Graham judged would be easier to maintain than typical weatherboard villas.
“I think the concrete is about a foot thick, making it a lovely warm house in winter,” Raewyn says.
When the couple bought here, previous owners had just extended creating a L-shaped layout, wider at the front. Both the rear extension incorporating open-plan living and the private rear grounds are orientated to the west, basking in sun.
The dining room where the vendors have dinner parties showcases the old coal range. Photo / Supplied
But there was still plenty the couple could do to further polish the property, including re-roofing, re-decorating and some further renovation.
A low front stone wall-hedge combination highlights the home’s grand street appeal and the classically styled front garden Raewyn created, now well established. The return veranda villa on 613sqm grounds has gated open-air parking for two vehicles out the front.
The deck and level rear grounds suit outdoor entertaining with the high hedges providing privacy. Photo / Supplied
The high stud and ornate character emphasized in the fore of the home starts with the entry hallway incorporating an archway.
Three bedrooms towards the front of the home include the ensuited master with walk-in wardrobe. Another has a striking plaster ceiling signifying it would have originally been a front sitting room.
These are accompanied by a renovated family bathroom, separate laundry and guest toilet still boasting its pull chain. The dining room where they have dinner parties showcases the old coal range.
There are three bedrooms at the front of the home and an additional family room could be a fourth bedroom. Photo / Supplied
“A friend said it feels like she’s in a restaurant, because of it being a separate dining area when so many homes only have open-plan set-ups nowadays,” Raewyn says.
The sun-drenched, open-plan rear kitchen-living room is more contemporary, incorporating an island with bar seating.
“We love the way it has bifold doors opening wide to the deck, where we’ve added a retractable awning providing the option of some shade.”
One of the vendors, Raewyn, says: “We’ve loved ... how easy it is to walk around Sandringham’s level neighbourhood.” Photo / Supplied
The final element in the floorplan is an additional family room, which could alternately be a fourth bedroom.
The substantial deck suiting outdoor entertaining accompanies level rear grounds made gloriously private by high hedges. There’s room to add a pool here to enjoy the brilliant north-western sunshine, should future owners want.
Raewyn and Graham can recommend this neighbourhood as being family orientated and convenient to get anywhere from. They were already grandparents when they moved here and now want to downsize to somewhere with more of a courtyard-sized garden.
The sun-drenched, open-plan rear kitchen-living room is contemporary. Photo / Supplied
Ray White agent Robyn Ellson says, “Lovers of ornate character will simply fall in love with this home. Elegantly extended in 2013, the contemporary edition connects perfectly to the spacious grounds, which are absolutely glorious. A divine home in every respect.”
White and colleague Josh Powell are marketing this property.
3 Halesowen Avenue in Sandringham, Auckland will be sold at auction on December 8.
