When the former owner of the pretty, double-storeyed villa at 34 London Street in St Marys Bay sold the house to buy the property next door, Michael Atkinson knew he’d got lucky.
He bought the house in May last year for $5.158 million, but is now selling it because an opportunity to expand his business has come up. 34 London Street has a ratings valuation of $4.8m and is listed to sell with Ray White’s Andre Bodde by a set sale date.
“I’d always wanted to live in St Marys Bay – I think it’s nicer than Herne Bay and has better views – so I bought it with the idea of developing it further,” Atkinson says.
The house was already an attractive proposition, sitting on one of the only three double unit sites in London Street, giving it a spacious section of 614sqm and amazing views of the city and harbour.
Start your property search
It’s a charming villa with verandahs upstairs and down, picket fences, bay windows, real timber floors and 191sqm of well-organised space.
On the ground floor is a generous open-plan living area with a light, contemporary kitchen with modern appliances and ample storage. There’s a separate dining room, and a spacious sitting room with a traditional open fire, all of which open via timber bifolds to the wraparound deck.
The villa has verandahs, picket fences, bay windows, real timber floors and 191sqm of floorspace. Photo / Supplied
There’s a spacious outdoor entertaining area under a pergola on the deck outside the sitting room. Three of the double bedrooms are on this level, sharing a family bathroom and with access to the deck. Upstairs is the master with ensuite, balcony, an adjacent study and a private sitting room with a balcony.
Atkinson bought the house a year ago and undertook the first stage of his refurbishment plan by having the entire exterior painted. He had also planned to create a whole new living space under the house, and renovate the interior, but an opportunity to expand his business got in the way and a choice had to be made.
He has enjoyed his year in the house, particularly its aspect, which provides all-day sun and the opportunity to enjoy the deck from morning till afternoon. The views are another huge drawcard, spanning the harbour and city, including the harbour bridge and the Sky Tower.
The property has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a double garage and off-street parking for two more cars. Photo / Supplied
Which landmark you see depends on where you are on the deck or a window at 34 London Street in St Marys Bay. Photo / Supplied
“Which landmark you look at depends where on the deck you’re sitting,” Atkinson says. “There are so many options for this house. If you like that antique originality it would be a great project.”
The house retains its high ceilings, decorative skirtings, architraves, cornices and scotias. Central heating throughout is a modern-day bonus, as are double garaging with loads of storage and double off-street parking.
“If that’s not for you there’s also the possibility of bowling it and creating something much like the house next door at number 38, with its swimming pool in the back.”
Atkinson hasn’t quite let go of Number 34 yet. “You never know, one day I might just buy it back.”
