Four years ago, Gabrielle and Chris Nooijen were driving around to look at houses. They were renting in Royal Oak, but drove up Rahiri Rd and were impressed. Number 17a wasn't officially on the market, but they were able to take a sneak peek. "We both liked the look of it, and it's not that common for us to both like a style of home," Gabrielle jokes.
She loved the home's street presence. "I love black houses," says Gabrielle, of the dark-stained Canadian cedar house that was built in the 1930s. "I loved its character -- the columns at the front, the brass fittings and how sturdy it seemed inside."
Rahiri Rd also appealed -- a no-exit street in double-grammar zone that gets little traffic. Number 17a's elevated position on the high side of the street also gives it panoramic views, from Mt Albert, to the upper harbour and Waitakeres, Mt Eden and Rangitoto.
Behind a double carport, the entrance to the house is up a sweep of red brick steps -- with an entry porch at the top that has the view of Rangitoto. The front door opens on to the timber-floored upper level, where bedrooms for children William, 9, and Ingrid, four, are to the left. The master bedroom and its en suite are to the right, as are the living room and open-plan dining area and kitchen. There's also an elegant family bathroom with a bath and walk-in tiled shower, which has no glass screen to clean. "It's so easy. The kids just head straight into it," Gabrielle says.
The Nooijens put skylights into the family bathroom and kitchen, so the house is light and bright throughout. The project also included painting everywhere and remodelling the kitchen and all three of the home's bathrooms. As well as the family bathroom, Chris and Gabrielle's en suite has been redone, as has an en suite for the guest bedroom downstairs.
All renovation work has been respectful of the home's vintage, with elegant tapware and a restrained palette. The couple had a period-style banister made to replace one that didn't fit with the style of the house, using detailing on wall panels as a guide for the design. They also had a new fireplace surround made for the open wood-burning fireplace in the living room.
There are extensive leadlight windows throughout, including in a sun room that connects to the master bedroom and the living room. Some of the stained glass is ornate. "We've counted seven coats of arms in the stained glass," Gabrielle says. Nothing is too fussy though, as Gabrielle admits she likes things to be streamlined and without too much embellishment.
Downstairs, there's a bedroom for when Chris' daughter Mila, 15, comes to stay, as well as the guest bedroom suite. The "man cave" is also down here -- an office, bar and gym -- where Chris likes to retreat. Cupboards there lead to an extensive storage area under the house. "You could extend the storage space here if you wanted to, or go up into the attic," Gabrielle says.
To the rear of the house is a formal-style garden with a border of elegant trees. There's lawn, as well as a paved outdoor entertaining area. A playhouse is a new addition and it will remain with the property. "It would be great to see another family enjoying this house as much as we have," says Gabrielle. But it's time for the Nooijens to move on. They're moving to Remuera. William is already at school in the suburb and Ingrid will be, too, when she starts school next term.