Herne Bay: Added Value

Double-hung windows should be retained in a villa frontage.

69 Wanganui Ave, Herne Bay

Auckland builder James Morrow has old-fashioned values when it comes to restoring villas: he's dedicated to replicating the villa style as closely as possible, even using hand tools to create the look.

His dedication to his craft is obvious in this stunning four-bedroom Herne Bay home. From the front door, down the hallway to the extension, the villa style has been maintained right down to the skirting boards, architraves and replicated sash windows.

The 1910 house was bought by the current owners in 2000 before they started their family. The home had had many owners over the years plus add-ons and alterations, including a lean-to kitchen and bathroom area plus a huge deck. A previous alteration to the original four-bedroom home was turning a bedroom into a large en suite and walk-in wardrobe.

With the lean-to area in reasonable shape, the current owners lived there for two years before approaching architect Jason Bailey with their brief: modern living while retaining the features of a villa.

To achieve that look, the couple hired James who, with 22 years' building experience and having lived in the area all his life, has gained a reputation as a villa specialist.

"My firm [James Morrow Builder] aims to do quality projects and this was going to be a quality job. We specialise in villas and bungalows - character houses - and we know the work that is involved," James explains.

The six-month renovation of Wanganui Ave involved demolishing the lean-to and replacing it with a combined kitchen, living and dining space plus a covered deck overlooking the sunny rear garden.

In the main part of the house, the wall between the master bedroom and huge en suite had to be moved 50cm to create the main bedroom, smaller en suite and walk-in wardrobe. The main bathroom in the lean-to was converted into a fourth bedroom, but as the couple didn't want the room coming off the living room, they extended the hallway.

The three children's bedrooms had fitted wardrobes built with villa-style surrounds and panelling in the doors.

But as James knows, there are always unforeseen problems when working with villas. And for Wanganui Ave that was the extended hallway, which had to be rebuilt to maintain the look.

The result is the villa style being carried from the front door, down the hallway to the beautifully recreated living space and out to the deck.

Now with three children aged under four, the owners have bought a large villa in Herne Bay - and, yes, they'll be hiring James again to renovate their new project.

Vital Statistics

SIZE: Land 416sq m, house 198sq m.

PRICE INDICATION: Homes in the area are selling for $900,000 plus. Auction April 28. INSPECT: Open home Sat/Sun 12pm-12.45pm.

CONTACT: Michael Hood and Daniel Burrill, Unlimited Potential, ph Michael 021 073 7989, Daniel 021 755 793.

FEATURES: Renovated 1910 villa, master bedroom has en suite and walk-in wardrobe, three further bedrooms with built-in wardrobes, formal lounge with fireplace, large kitchen, dining, living area.