So close to, yet so far away from the madding crowd, 2A Poronui Street in the heart of Mount Eden village is a true urban oasis and has been home to Lisa, David and their two, now adult daughters, for almost 20 years.
Lisa says that she and David have done an enormous amount of work around the property and particularly the house, which was built in 1925 for the local postmaster and his family.
“We absolutely love the privacy we have here. There’s a long driveway with security gates, and the girls were able to ride up and down safely, on their bikes,” says Lisa.
Now boasting 329sqm of floor area, the main living zones are airy and spacious with a modern kitchen at the heart, while a separate formal lounge is the most perfect parents’ getaway spot, with the media room adjacent.
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She and David took special care to ensure the transition from traditional to modern style kept as much original character as possible.
Standout features such as leadlight windows, wooden fire surrounds and ornate plaster ceilings have been lovingly refreshed for a new era, while the double garage they added on, blends in seamlessly.
The master bedroom upstairs is very generous, with loads of wardrobe space, and three further rooms upstairs are bright and sunny. A stylishly renovated ensuite and family bathroom are both classic and timeless and attic storage is an added bonus.
“One of our most major projects was building the separate cottage for guests. It has its own bathroom and has been used such a lot,” says Lisa.
Boasting 329sqm of floor space, the main living zones are airy and spacious with a modern kitchen at the heart. Photo / Supplied
“We absolutely love the privacy we have here,” says the homeowner. Photo / Supplied
The family entertains all year round on the covered exterior living area. Photo / Supplied
Period details such as elegant floral drapes and chandeliers have been included in the studio space, so that everything’s in keeping with the main house.
The family entertains all year round on the covered exterior living area. “In winter we light the outdoor fire and it’s very warm and comfortable,” Lisa says.
She and David have fully landscaped the sections as well as putting in a heated pool.
Lisa adapted the girls’ playhouse, a sweet little replica of the main house, as her home office. “But it could easily be used as a playhouse again.”
With one daughter overseas and the other studying at Canterbury University, Lisa and David are downsizing.
The playhouse, at one end of the pool, is a sweet little replica of the main house and is currently used as a home office. Photo / Supplied
Standout features such as leadlight windows, wooden fire surrounds and ornate plaster ceilings have been lovingly refreshed. Photo / Supplied
“And the girls aren’t very pleased with us. This is the only house that either of them remember and we’ve had so many happy occasions here, with milestone birthdays and pre-ball parties.”
Richard Thode says that superior-quality family homes like this one are still in high demand and this location is especially appealing; just two minutes’ walk away from Mount Eden Village, with its shops and cafes.
Zoned for Auckland Grammar and Epsom Girls Grammar, along with Mount Eden Normal Primary, good schooling is almost on the doorstep.
“At 1217sqm this is a huge section for children and pets to run around on. I think the fact that this family loved it so much they stayed for 19 years, tells you everything you need to know.”
- 2A Poronui Street in Mount Eden, Auckland, is for sale by a set date
