With three small children, Auckland homeowner Hayley and her husband knew that the traditional “great Kiwi childhood” is still alive and well in Point Chevalier where quiet suburban streets are filled with young families.
“We bought this property with an older house at the front, which we completely renovated before building for ourselves at the rear,” she explains.
With a modest 367sqm of land to work with, making good use of space – both indoors and out was an important priority for the couple – working with Petrie Architects – and the attractive, modern, yet timeless 160sqm, concrete, timber, steel and glass two-storey dwelling is a true testament to clever and creative thinking.
From the front door the eye is immediately drawn to the lush, green rear garden.
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“We used a very experienced landscaper who focuses on easy-care New Zealand natives and there’s still space for the mineral pool, plus just enough lawn to keep the children happy,” says Hayley.
The layout of the house itself is simple and streamlined, with an internal-access garage and open-plan living and dining on the ground level along with a smart, modern, L-shaped eat-in kitchen with stone benchtops and quality appliances.
It enjoys the bonus of a separate scullery combined with the laundry and the polished concrete floors are easy-care, helping attract and retain the sun’s energy.
Hayley says that all the windows and doors open to the garden, which is such a strong focal point – and indeed the star – that there’s barely any need for art on the walls.
The 160sqm, two-storey residence sits on a compact 367sqm section and has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, garaging and off-street parking, and a swimming pool. Photo / Supplied
“It’s all really quite minimalist, but we think it works extremely well,” says one of the owners. Photo / Supplied
“It’s all really quite minimalist, but we think it works extremely well.”
Upstairs, via a handsome oak staircase, are four generous bedrooms, including the primary suite with its walk-in wardrobe and attractive green tiled bathroom plus the family bathroom, which is tiled in blue with a free-standing bath and frameless shower.
All of the bedrooms offer leafy views across the rooftops towards the city and Sky Tower.
Other notable features of this special property include ducted air conditioning, gas hot water, security cameras and fibre. In addition to the garage, there is plenty of off-street parking.
Hayley says that many of the neighbours have become good friends and there’s always somebody around to babysit or empty the mailbox.
The layout of the house is simple and streamlined, with an internal-access garage and open-plan living and dining on the ground level and a smart, modern kitchen. Photo / Supplied
The owners hired an experienced landscaper who focused on easy-care New Zealand natives. Photo / Supplied
She and her husband and children are moving to a different suburb, and she thinks that they may well buy old and build new again.
“We really enjoyed the renovation project at the front, then the process of creating something amazing from the very beginning at the back.”
64A Huia Road is a turnkey opportunity for the lucky buyer, with absolutely nothing to do but move in and enjoy the autumn weather.
Rachel Berry, who is marketing this special home, says it is super-comfortable and low maintenance. “While it’s certainly a wonderful spot for families, it could also be perfect for older downsizers.”
64A Huia Road in Point Chevalier, Auckland, goes to auction on March 18.
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