First homes are always very special and owners Jamie and Paul have put lots of love and care into completely transforming the Western Springs villa they purchased in 2011.
Jamie says that the house, which stands on an elevated 526sqm site, had clearly been quite grand and stately when it was first built in the 1910s.
“We’ve been told that pressed tin ceilings were an indicator of wealth, and when we looked up, we saw that this house had a different pattern in each room, so we’ve left those wherever we could.”
The home was already naturally sunny and Jamie and Paul’s extensive use of white throughout – along with the soaring stud and large windows – has served to make it brighter still.
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A huge, contemporary kitchen with quality appliances segues seamlessly into the dining and family zone and there’s also a separate lounge, along with three generous bedrooms – including the master, which lies at the front of the house and enjoys a beautiful bay.
The bathroom is huge and very stylish with extensive tiling and a compact laundry and a clawfoot bathtub and heated floors add extra ambience.
Jamie and Paul converted the rear of the home’s attached carport into a roomy studio and ran their successful design business from there until eventually outgrowing the space.
It opens out to a charming little pergola and deck for morning coffees, while another much larger deck is just around the corner for barbecues and alfresco dining with friends and family.
A huge, contemporary kitchen with quality appliances segues seamlessly into the dining and family zone. Photo / Supplied
The property has three bedrooms, one bathroom and off-street parking. Photo / Supplied
The section is large enough to allow privacy and while providing space for children and pets to play, and Jamie says that the well-established garden is relatively easy care.
Tree-filled Fowlds Park is situated just across the road and has been significantly improved over the past few years with the addition of a playground for neighbourhood youngsters, while dog walkers greet each other in the mornings.
Following a move to Point Chevalier, Jamie and Paul are bidding farewell to their Western Springs villa.
“I think that homes have eras and now it’s time for us to hand on the baton so the next people can enjoy it.”
Robyn Ellson, from Ray White, says that Jamie and Paul’s stylish renovation has huge appeal, much of it down to thoughtful details like the designer light fittings, bespoke wardrobes and plantation shutters.
The vendors converted the rear of the carport into a roomy studio. Photo / Supplied
The 526sqm section is large enough to allow privacy, while providing space for children and pets to play. Photo / Supplied
“This is the sort of home you look forward to returning to at the end of each day. It has a golden glow, which somehow envelops you.”
The house has views to the Waitakere to the west and even a glimpse of Sky Tower from the front bedroom plus there’s the carport and lots of off-street parking.
Jamie says that proximity to the motorway is another major attraction and she and Paul have found wonderful eateries in Kingsland as well as watching the development of the arty nearby Morningside Precinct with interest.
“Crave is our favourite café while Pocket Bar is awesome for drinks on a Sunday afternoon.”
- 119 Western Springs Road in Western Springs, Auckland, is on the market, auction on August 27