In early 2020, just as the pandemic loomed large in New Zealand, Aucklanders Rochelle and Kane scrambled to finalise their purchase of a pleasant but fairly ordinary weatherboard bungalow in Waterview before lockdowns kicked in.
“It was exciting but frustrating too because there wasn’t very much that we could do at that point apart from throwing ideas around,” says Rochelle.
When restrictions were lifted, they contacted Hoxha Bailey Architects in Ponsonby, requesting their vision for refurbishing the property.
“We knew more or less what we imagined doing, but we didn’t tell the designers because we wanted them to come back with a fresh perspective. As it turned out, their concepts were quite similar to ours, but with some clever twists.”
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Looking at the resulting transformation it’s hard to believe that it’s even the same house, yet adjustments to the footprint were minimal, with just a small extension built on the side.
“The biggest challenge turned out to be securing building materials like plasterboard during 2021 when everything was going mad,” says Rochelle.
Nevertheless, the project was eventually completed, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. The previously underwhelming kitchen now boasts plenty of bench and storage space with elegant Scandi-inspired built-in shelving. This area also includes the light, bright dining and living zones, benefitting from all-day sun.
In addition to the contemporary, yet classic bathroom and three lovely light-filled bedrooms, the house enjoys the added bonus of a guest powder room as well as a separate laundry.
The vendors bought the property just before Covid lockdowns kicked in in early 2020. Photo / Supplied
Once restrictions were lifted, the homeowners contacted Hoxha Bailey Architects resulting in a spectacular transformation. Photo / Supplied
It definitely comes into its own during summer when extensive decking along with a generous porch and a patio serves as a series of outdoor rooms for lying on a lounger or entertaining friends and family, alfresco.
“Some of the garden was already there but I’ve enjoyed planting and attending to the new box hedging,” says Rochelle.
She adds that being perfectionists, she and Kane set out to create a very high-quality home, and she feels happy with the outcome.
“It was a useful learning curve and we’ll both have some very happy memories.”
She says that the location is perfect with legendary Daily Bread cafe in nearby Point Chevalier for a morning coffee, while being in a quiet dead-end street means 1/58 Fir Street offers plenty of peace and privacy.
The builders, JRA Construction, won the 2023 Master Builders House of the Year award – in the Renovation up to $750,000 category for Auckland/Northland/Coromandel. Photo / Supplied
Ray White listing agent Scott Wither says it is one of the most superb renovations he’s ever seen. Photo / Supplied
Scott Wither, from Ray White, Grey Lynn, is marketing the property with colleague Fliss Grennell, and says that it’s one of the most superb renovations he’s ever seen.
He isn’t surprised that it was judged 2023 Master Builders House of the Year – in the Renovation up to $750,000 category, Auckland/Northland/Coromandel, for its builders: JRA Construction.
“It’s a bit different from the usual homes you’d find in Waterview and it’s in a really great location. We see it appealing to small families or professional couples who want the modern convenience of a town house but with some easy-care garden to go with it.”
- 1/58 Fir Street in Waterview, Auckland, is for sale by auction on June 25
