A super-savvy move on Jon and Amber Wild’s part allowed them to design and build their dream family home in a peaceful Grey Lynn pocket.
“We purchased 1 Gilbert Avenue in December 2015, just after our third child was born,” says Jon.
“We originally planned to renovate the small brick and tile into a five-bedroom family home but when the unitary plan hit, we decided to utilise the taller build allowance and create two family homes instead.”
They enlisted Box in 2018 to architecturally design and build the properties, breaking ground in early 2020 – just in time for Covid.
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After being hit with endless supply issues and lockdowns, the Wilds were able to sell the house next door then move into theirs in December 2020, and have adored their home’s style, space and functionality ever since.
Designing the homes simultaneously allowed for maximum privacy between the two.
“They’re opposites,” says Amber.
“The house next door has got the living on the ground floor and bedrooms at the top, while we’ve got living up top and majority of bedrooms downstairs. We literally don’t notice the neighbours, other than seeing them on the street. And as the homes are attached by their garages, there’s no noise.”
Jon says the key vision was to maximise the incredible views looking out over Auckland and all the maunga.
“I think you can see five. We wanted the highlight of the property to be the walk up and into the upstairs living room to reveal an incredible sense of space and light – a calming area in the urban jungle. We also wanted to create a split level property to allow our growing children some independence whilst also giving us some relief upstairs from all their noise.”
The Wild family decided to utilise the taller build allowance in the Auckland Unitary Plan by building two family homes instead of renovating the single home on the section. Photo / Supplied
Vaulted ceilings enhance the sense of volume and the cleverly placed front window ensures great light but privacy from the street. Photo / Supplied
The top level is an expansive open-plan kitchen, living and dining space, with a handy office area and deck. Vaulted ceilings enhance the sense of volume, while the cleverly placed front window ensures great light but privacy from the street.
“It’s such an easy house to live in, we use every square metre of it. The top floor master bedroom has a massive walk-through wardrobe which has been a game changer, and the ensuite is really lovely and super light in the mornings,” says Amber.
Downstairs offers three more generous bedrooms, the family bathroom and another sitting room/rumpus that flows out to the tiled patio and pool.
There was also a definite focus on creating a low-maintenance lifestyle here.
“Given it’s essentially a lock and leave, we wanted to maximise the inside space as opposed to the outside space,” says Amber.
“We did not want to be a slave to it. We used Humphreys to landscape design a beautiful yet easy-to-maintain garden that surrounds and softens the concrete swimming pool. The pool is a saviour for the kids in summer and I do laps in it, so it’s great for keeping fit.”
The family have relished their neighbourhood as much as the house, says Jon.
At 3A Gilbert Avenue, most of the bedrooms are downstairs and the living zones are upstairs. Photo / Supplied
The properties were designed by Box in 2018; the Wilds sold the house next door and then moved into theirs in December 2020. They are now selling to move to Christchurch. Photo / Supplied
“The proximity to Grey Lynn School and all of Richmond Road’s bars and restaurants makes the location very special. There’s a real sense of community on Gilbert Ave. The kids have so much fun due to the special character of living in what is basically a cul de sac.”
While the Wilds are incredibly sad to be leaving, a move to Christchurch to be closer to family has dictated the sale.
“It will be very hard to say goodbye but we are thrilled that someone else gets a chance to enjoy it,” says Jon.
Bayleys salesperson Cristina Casares says this property is a dream for busy families.
“It’s architecturally designed, elevated and has a beautiful outlook, but what I really love is how easy it is to live in. I’m a big fan of family homes with two levels and two living areas – it means everyone can have their own space.
“The adults can be upstairs with a glass of wine watching the sunset, while the kids are downstairs in the second lounge. The pool can be accessed from both levels, so it’s also brilliant for outdoor entertaining. It’s modern and low-maintenance, plus has the bonus of a garage with internal access plus extra off-street parking.”
- 3A Gilbert Avenue in Grey Lynn, Auckland, is for sale by auction on September 10
