It's been seven years since the couple and their daughter Taylah, now 9, moved into a typical "worst house in the best street".
"It was true, though," says Matt, a business executive by day and keen DIYer at night, and on weekends. "Yet, we both saw its potential and we lived in it for a while, getting to know it, before we set to work."
The family, with Taylah and new arrival, daughter Morgan, now 5, moved into an apartment next door and watched as the house was gutted and rebuilt by Norm, their expert builder (who they met at ante-natal class), and his talented team.
The result is a light, bright, airy and spacious, townhouse-like interior, in the gracious body of a classic Kiwi villa.
Directly inside the security gate at the front of the property is a sunny paved patio, where Matt and Kim like to relax with a wine at the end of a summer day. Private, with lush hedging, the area has a Bose sound system, and elegant textured glass windows on the side of the garage add interest.
Image 1 of 5: Gorgeous villa in a safe family neighbourhood delights on many levels
Inside the traditional villa front door, the master bedroom on the right is big and character-filled, with a handsome bay window. The walk-in wardrobe and en suite each lie behind tall doors and are sleek, smart and modern.
Across the extra-wide hallway is Taylah's bedroom. It enjoys substantial built-in storage space and here, as throughout the house, there are wide white plantation shutters.
Next on the right is Morgan's room, a generous double, and then it's on to the family bathroom, with its shower, bath, and a laundry cleverly concealed inside a cupboard.
At the rear, the elegant European-style kitchen has a marble centre island, while dining, casual family area and slightly separate lounge take their place in a large, L-shape space. The back wall of the house is all glass and can be opened up, allowing seamless access to the backyard.
"It's wonderful in summer," says Kim. "With the security gate at the front, you can be in here or out in the garden and it's all perfectly safe."
Of course, there's another big attraction in Cheltenham Rd. The beach is only three doors down.
"It's great for the kids, and because this is such a friendly neighbourhood, everybody looks out for each other. The guy a couple of doors along wheels his barbecue down there and then it's all on.
"We've got an outdoor shower for returning swimmers and the French oak floors are a sand sort of colour -- for very good reason!"
In winter the gas fire is the only heating source the family has needed, and there's loads of insulation, plus double glazing.
Kim and Matt's next project is another renovation, down in King Edward Pde, where Matt has just a quick walk and ferry ride to and from work in the city.
"We can't wait to get started," they both say, with obvious honesty.
