Ponsonby: Worst case scenario

53 John Street, Ponsonby.

The worst house in one of Ponsonby's best streets has finally been brought up to scratch.

Paul Lamb is not offended by the fact that his Ponsonby home used to be known as the worst house in the street.

"Well, it was," he says. "On a scale of one to 10, it stood at about two and a half. It was just liveable, as long as you had a sense of humour."

It was in such a bad state that Metro magazine once featured it on its cover to illustrate how do-ups in the area were fetching crazy prices during the property boom a few years ago.

That was then. These days life is looking up for 53 John Street, which Paul has renovated from top to toe.

Paul used to import clothing for a living, but these days he's into property development. He bought the place two and a half years ago, and has been living in it, with his cat, Fred, throughout the renovation work.

"Everyone knows the place around here as it's in such a prominent position on the corner," says Paul.

Painted a smart dark grey with white detailing on the outside, the house and gardens are enclosed by a solid wall.

The original front door is still hanging on its original hinges. It opens to a large hallway with lovely old kauri floorboards, which extend to the kitchen and living area. Three of the four bedrooms are off the hallway. Paul uses one of them as a study and mini gym.

The layout of the house is pretty much as it was. "I didn't have to reconfigure the spaces or anything, I've just improved what was already there," says Paul.

Polished concrete and carpet feature in the living area, which is painted bright white to match the rest of the interior.

A combination of large, black, glass cupboards and stainless steel gives the kitchen an ultra-modern, space-age feel. Fisher & Paykel DishDrawers sit either side of the sink, which is housed in the central island that doubles as a breakfast bar.

A corner of the living space beyond is devoted to bifold doors, which open to a good-sized terrace and entertaining area (about 110sq m). "It's very private, because you sit above the neighbouring houses," says Paul. "You get a glimpse of the Waitakeres from here, too."

The terrace sits on top of what was three garages, which have been knocked into one vast space. Paul sees this housing a couple of cars, say, and a boat, or doubling as a workshop.

Separating the terrace from the small lawn is an unusual water feature built into the wall.

Back inside, and the master bedroom is off the living area. Bifold doors - with wooden louvres on either side for extra ventilation - open the room to the garden.

Downstairs, Paul has turned what was another garage - who needs four garages in Ponsonby - into a wine cellar, which is temperature-controlled thanks to the fact it's tucked under the house. "But this could easily be used an office or a gym. I just thought it would make a great wine cellar," says Paul.

Vital Statistics

BEDROOMS: 4

BATHROOMS: 2

GARAGE: 3

SIZE: Land area 420sq m, house 195sq m (approx).

PRICE INDICATION: Upwards of $1 million. Auction February 22.

INSPECT: Sat/Sun 1.30-2pm.

CONTACT: Suzanne Browne or Amy Olsen, Bayleys, ph 309 6020 bus, 021 830 096 (Suzanne), 021 878 435 (Amy).

FEATURES: Totally renovated Californian bungalow with a triple-car garage, smart water feature, a kitchen with a space-age touch, and a wine cellar.