SCHOOL ZONES:
Meadowbank Primary, Remuera Intermediate, Selwyn College.
CONTACT:
Lisa Stone, 021 504 674, or Steve Stone, 021 966 499, Ray White.
AUCTION:
August 31 at 1pm on site (unless sold prior)
This house has a large, undeveloped basement area that's crying out to be used ...
Tucked well away from busy Remuera Rd, down a private laneway, yet enjoying all of its neighbourhood advantages, this freshly renovated 1990s cedar house enjoys peace, quiet and privacy, with panoramic views to Mt Wellingtonand beyond.
Owners Helen and Lance Sheppard were attracted to the property for all of these reasons -- and also because they felt it had a lot of untapped potential.
"It was very much of its era with lots of maroon in the general colour scheme, and it hadn't really been decorated in a way that enhanced its many good points," says Helen.
In a process lasting many months the pair oversaw a complete transformation of the property, replacing carpets, painting, wallpapering, and installing new amenities.
Helen took on what was essentially the role of project manager and is especially pleased with the new kitchen.
"I think it's very classic and won't date for many years. Wood finishes always look good and the composite benchtops are smart and practical too."
She and Lance were conscious of the benefits of using every tiny bit of space -- with under-corner pantry cupboards and lots of convenient, easy-to-use drawers.
The microwave oven is tucked away discreetly and the appliances are all of good quality but the biggest and best feature in this kitchen really lies in its adjoining dining area, with views out over Waiatarua Reserve -- which is an ideal place for walking the family dog, says Helen.
Also on the first level of this versatile home are a spare bedroom -- which could be a second living space -- perhaps for teens, and the expansive, sunny living room, which opens on to a neat private patio.
Image 1 of 4: This home is filled with pleasant surprises.
"We've had some fun with colours and textures," says Helen. "I painted the downstairs toilet in a dark charcoal and then, on a whim, wallpapered the ceiling in there and it looks really great."
Downstairs in this good-sized property which, deceptively, looks small from the outside, are a further three bedrooms. The master has a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite, and the family bathroom is modern and well-appointed. The smallest bedroom could lend itself to being a nursery.
Lance and Helen's hard work hasn't been restricted to the interior.
Outside, they've re-stained the shingles and planted magnolias and gardenias as well as retaining an established lemon tree that is currently groaning with fruit. "When you sit on the deck and relax, you'd never believe that you're in busy Remuera Rd," she says.
The house could hardly be better situated.
It's a short hop from the desirable Meadowbank Primary School and buses constantly pass by the main gate. Remuera shops are nearby and the supermarket at Meadowbank is also handy.
Having put all this hard work into their property, Lance and Helen recently surprised themselves by finding another house that they felt suited them and their three young boys, slightly better. So, they are now planning to repeat their refurbishment feat in an East Auckland suburb.
"It's quite a distance away, but, funnily enough it has views to Mt Wellington too -- from the opposite side," says Helen.
