Owner Hannah Norton has absolutely loved 20 Normans Hill Road’s classic character, stunning renovation and gorgeous garden.
“Onehunga’s got beautiful homes, particularly in this pocket, but it really felt like the unicorn of the street,” she says.
“It’s a beautiful villa that has been 95% rebuilt and it’s very high spec. You’ve got luxury elements like a scullery, Zenith tap, beautiful high ceilings, oak floors and the master has an amazing wardrobe and ensuite. It’s beautifully finished.”
It’s been the perfect property for herself, two young sons and little dog to live, as it’s so well set up for families.
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“Apart from the internal garage, it’s on a single level and has amazing indoor outdoor flow to a great backyard. The kids can run outside and play on the trampoline while I watch from the kitchen, and I added gates on to make it fully fenced.”
The circa 1905 villa still displays many of its heritage features, including the front veranda’s feature fretwork and sash windows.
“My understanding is that the neighbour’s house and mine were built for two sisters. The previous owners spent four years renovating this one to a high standard, it’s got copper spouting has a real luxury feel inside.
“The original character has been retained but because it’s been rebuilt, it’s also incredibly warm. It’s elevated with lots of sun and it’s had central heating put in, so is just so warm.”
The house’s reimagined design sees it form a U-shape around the sheltered deck and landscaped flat lawns at the rear and Hannah says the space has been utilised incredibly well. The open-plan kitchen, living and dining has a gas fireplace, with large glass sliders connecting it to the outdoors.
Homeowner Hannah Norton says: “The original character has been retained but because it’s been rebuilt, it’s also incredibly warm. It’s elevated with lots of sun and it’s had central heating put in.” Photo / Supplied
The second living room is used as a library/TV room by the family. Photo / Supplied
“I removed a big tree from the back garden – it was lovely but it was rotting and I was looking at putting a pool out there. I’ve had quotes and it can be done, so if the new owners want to put a pool in it would be perfect. I’m happy to pass on all the details of the work I’ve done for that.
“I put a library in the second living room, so we used that as a library/TV room. The master area is a little bit separate, so feels like a retreat.”
The three other double bedrooms use the tiled family bathroom.
The local area has also played an integral part in the family’s positive experience here. “It’s a beautiful neighbourhood with lots of villas. The neighbours are amazing, especially on Halloween with trick-or-treating – the most incredible people live around here.”
Onehunga Bay Reserve is a family favourite. “We just walk down – there’s a skate park, a playground, an off-leash dog walking area and they also have kayaking in the summer as the beach is tidal.
20 Normans Hill Road has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a single garage, and has been “95% rebuilt”. Photo / Supplied
The open-plan kitchen, living and dining has a gas fireplace, with large glass sliders connecting it to the outdoors. Photo / Supplied
“I actually spent my younger years in Royal Oak, so I love that whole area. The main street of Onehunga is really starting to rejuvenate too, they’ve got a Gow Langsford Gallery there now and Pilates. And with the Southwestern motorway there it’s very quick to town.”
Convenience calls and Hannah has made the tough decision to move on. “The boys are at school in Remuera so I’m moving closer to their school, but I’m sad to go.”
Shaan Joshi, from Ray White, is marketing the property and says that he likes it so much that he’d absolutely buy it himself.
“If I was buying in the area, I would live there. It’s the most desirable pocket of Onehunga and the quality, the finishes and workmanship here are really, really good.”
The value for money here is also a huge drawcard.
“You’re getting a lot more bang for your buck than in some of those central suburbs. This house picked up and put in Mount Eden, Ponsonby or Epsom, you’d be looking at around $4m easy.”
- 20 Normans Hill Road in Onehunga, Auckland, is for sale, auction on July 30
