Ugly duckling transformed into swan

Brian and Leeane Eunson bought the Tauraroa Rd property with a vision to transform the industrial-style shed into a character-filled home.

A run-down old building which once housed the Maungakaramea Volunteer Fire Brigade has been transformed into a top-notch rural home with big city undertones.

Brian and Leeane Eunson bought the Tauraroa Rd property with a vision to transform the tired, dusty tin and timber 50-year-old industrial-style shed into a character-filled home.

The renovation took 16 months but the Eunsons' circumstances changed along the way and they decided to sell the property.

The old Maungakaramea fire station.

"We wanted to turn this ugly duckling into a swan ... for us to live in and enjoy," they said.

"Others are going to benefit from our hard work."

Chris Findlay, of Bayleys, said it was an honour to market such a historical character building, "a property without compare".

It includes unique characteristics such as concrete columns and a state-of-the-art kitchen, over-height ceilings, a mezzanine library and feature wine cellar.