From the moment she laid eyes on it, self-confessed mid-century nut Paige knew she had to have this classic Meadowbank property.
“I’m a mid-century fan through and through and as soon as I saw the front of the house, there was no other option for me.”
Once the family had moved into their new home 2020, they undertook a major renovation that soon evolved into an almost 90% rework and refresh, with no expense spared.
It’s created far better functionality throughout and incorporated a suite of stylish modern must-haves, while still retaining and celebrating the signature 70sstyle. The inspired reimagination was a true passion project for Paige and she utilised a company called Rarebirds Interiors to help execute her vision.
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Palm Springs-inspired modernist touches make the living environment a feast for the senses, with pops of fun colour, bold geometrics and tactile texture bringing the spaces to life.
As well as a chic homage to the era, there is method to the madness, explains Paige.
“I met someone who specialises in colour psychology in interior design. The bathroom is pink because it starts your day right and you feel good, then the same goes for the yellow up the stairs. It plays into that emotion and personality – you’re not just in a white box. Boring!”
The renovation wasn’t all about aesthetics and it’s fair to say this is now a “new old” house.
“When we bought it none of the house was insulated, so I fully reframed, insulated, jibbed and painted, redid all the lighting and electrics, and put the double glazing in.”
“The bathroom is pink because it starts your day right and you feel good ...,” says the vendor. Photo / Supplied
A soaring wall of glass floods the area with light and sun, while bifolds open out to the LouvreTec-covered entertainer’s pavilion. Photo / Supplied
The floor plan was also reworked to maximise space, create better connection and form a social hub upstairs in the open-plan living, dining and high-spec walnut kitchen zone.
A soaring wall of glass floods the area with northern light and sun, while bifolds open out to the LouvreTec-covered entertainer’s pavilion and outdoor fireplace, wraparound decks, and a sparkling pool and spa that are all enveloped within lush, landscaped gardens and level lawns.
The two-level floor plan incorporates three bedrooms and the family bathroom upstairs, while the lower level features a self-contained rumpus room with kitchenette that is currently utilised as a master retreat, with its own wardrobe and ensuite.
While seriously beautiful, the house is also robust enough for animals and kids, says Paige.
“The carpets were ripped up and replaced with wooden floors. I can host playdates with my daughter’s friends and nothing can do wrong.”
Equipped with solar panels and central heating and cooling, the home also enjoys year-round comfort and efficiency. An electric security gate provides added protection to the property and including the carport, there is secure, off-street parking available for up to six cars.
The “new old” house is a chic homage to its mid-century origins. Photo / Supplied
The lower level features a self-contained rumpus room with kitchenette that is currently utilised as a master retreat, with its own wardrobe and ensuite. Photo / Supplied
Paige says absolutely everything has been designed to stand the test of time and be easily looked after.
“It’s built like a brick shithouse and very secure. You can open the doors right up and swim in the pool and it’s completely private.”
Salesperson Matt Gibson, from Ray White, says the phone started going mad the morning the listing went live.
“It’s stunning. When I sold it to them in 2020, I had 120 groups through and that was before the renovation. So it’s one of those houses and streets that hold appeal. What they’ve done is magic and it’s one of those special homes that don’t come along very often.
“Meadowbank is such a sought-after suburb and when a house is finished to this standard, it’s going to draw buyers.”
- 15 Ripon Crescent in Meadowbank, Auckland, is for sale by auction, October 8
