Cottage blooms again

By Iris Stone

Picture-perfect with its classic white picket fence and green trim, this cottage shouts street appeal.

It's hard to imagine that just a few years ago it was the scourge of the neighbourhood. Inhabited by squatters as it awaited demolition, it set new standards in "loud," painted with vivid blue, purple and orange flowers.

Fortunately, some brave soul recognised the potential beneath the tack and rose to the challenge of restoring it to its former glory with every modern "must-have."

Built in 1880, the cottage was one of the first in the Balmoral/Mt Eden area. It was later turned into a shepherd's cottage, and a new homestead - now known as the Christmas Tree Farm - was built 100m along Balmoral Rd.

About 20 years ago a builder bought the cottage and moved it to the present position at the front of the property. Here it looks at home with brick paving and an English cottage garden. With a vibrant red bougainvillea clambering along the fretwork, this sunny cottage has an endearing yesteryear charm.

The interior, fastidiously renovated, retains the quiet, old-fashioned ambience of days gone by. In an effort to preserve the integrity of its heritage, original features were retained where possible and given a second chance at life.

Attention to detail is evident from the moment you arrive at the original kauri front door, which has been stripped and varnished to provide a welcoming entry.
Polished kauri floors give character to the front hallway, master bedroom and lounge. New floors in cherry oak - laid in the kitchen, back hallway and bathroom - complement the patina of kauri.

Ceilings for the 12ft stud in the lounge are original batten and board. The same effect was achieved with new boards in the master bedroom opposite.

With sumptuous curtains around the sash windows and small-paned french doors, the lounge takes on a traditional elegance. The look is enhanced by a striking Italian lightfitting suspended from the ceiling.

It's a cosy place, especially when the open corner fireplace is used. Although the fireplace is original, it was rebricked to make the most of heat output.

Recycled bricks highlight the link between the lounge and the brick courtyard beyond the french doors. Here, capuccinos can be enjoyed in privacy, just metres from the road, thanks to a creeper-intwined lattice fence.

Light pours into the fresh-looking new kitchen, which is enhanced by a combination of rimu, look-alike timber laminate cabinets and white tiles.

Leadlight windows in storage cabinets allow glimpses of favourite china.

Italian terracotta tiling and a patterned listello around the walls give a new twist to the small but perfectly formed bathroom. Space is saved by incorporating the shower, with glass door, and bath. An authentic kauri washstand houses a porcelain handbasin.

Although the house appears tiny from the street, it is deceptively roomy. After seeing the second bedroom you think you've explored the whole house. But there's more. A third bedroom is tucked around the corner from the utility cupboard opposite the bathroom.

Unlike many such homes, the three double bedrooms all have spacious wardrobes.

Space has been allocated sensibly to where it is most needed. For example, the compact laundry fits into an alcove beside the back door, handy to the clothesline.

Forget memories of dashing from the car to the house in the rain - adjoining the house at the back door is a double carport.

This well-located property is close to the Balmoral shops and the sought-after Mangawhau primary school. Every effort has been made to update it for modern living. Now it calls out for new owners to enjoy the fruits of someone else's hard labour.

Vital statistics

Address: 10 Matipo St, Mt Eden

Features: three double bedrooms, new kitchen with Classique oven and dishwasher, new ceramic-tiled bathroom, french doors to sunny garden, carport, tool orgarden shed, gas connection if required.

Size: third share of 1004m2

Price: $300,000 buyers

Open home: June 12 and 13, 2 to 3pm.

Agent: Georgette Halliday, Century 21 Realty, 630 5685, ah 631 5841, mob 025 748 879.