Sally says: "This really is the perfect Ponsonby location. You wake up in this quiet no-exit street to birdsong from neighbouring Tole Reserve.
"You're not right on Ponsonby Rd but only a minute's walk from it."
They searched for two years in the early 90s before buying this 1898 Ponsonby villa at auction from a big family in 1994; then spent two years re-inventing it.
Architect Chris Sage designed the sympathetic but thorough renovation-extension, which included re-piling, re-wiring, re-plumbing, achieving fire rating standards and adding the upper storey.
Their green ethos guided choices such as wool insulation and re-using materials where possible.
Image 1 of 8: 30 Ponsonby Terrace, Ponsonby, Auckland. Photo / David Rowland
Until recently Ponsonby history lover Gerry hosted Ponsonby walking tours. The couple know some of Number 30's lore.
It was reputedly built by a man who built two neighbouring houses for his daughters and added rear dwellings in which to make toys during the Depression.
There are shady tales of movies being filmed in part of the house in the 1970s.
White wisteria unfurls along the villa's front Pacifica-style fretwork each spring, alongside the horseshoe-shaped driveway with entry, exit plus four off-street parks.
Landscaping includes a side lawn and a courtyard based on Sally's recollection of Frida Kahlo's Mexican home's yard. A bricked patio with goldfish pond invites chatting with guests over an evening drink.
The long, vividly blue entry hall bearing an original hallway arch and hung with photographs and art leads visitors towards rear living areas. A kauri ceiling from a demolished grand home reigns above the sunny green living room.
A commercial kitchen fuels the welcoming breakfast-dining room, where Gerry once introduced an assortment of BBC correspondents who'd never met each other when they were all staying to cover the cricket.
Guy Fawkes night's display is splendid viewed from the penthouse suite's balcony. This ensuited suite can be two-bedroom if desired, neighbouring another ensuited bedroom. Three of downstairs' four ensuited bedrooms have dedicated outdoor living. There's an office alongside the semi-enclosed back deck where summer breakfasts are served. A separate rear building comprised of three self-contained units with kitchenettes is near a smaller laundry-storage building.
