SCHOOL ZONES:
Ponsonby Primary, Ponsonby Intermediate, Auckland Girls Grammar, Western Springs College.
CONTACT:
Robyn Clark, 021 707 529, or Peter Tanner, 021 379 379, Bayleys.
AUCTION:
Nov 23.
Many of the houses on the northern slopes of St Marys Bay enjoy sun and harbour views but the downside of the elevated location can be traffic noise from the motorway below.
That's what Vivienne and Brian Rosenberg found when they decided to sell their home with wide harbour viewsto find something in a quieter spot in the suburb.
Three years ago they found that property in a bungalow on Hackett St, sheltered from wind and noise but still with views of the harbour.
Having a tree-filled back yard and a neighbouring reserve makes for a leafy setting that that can be enjoyed from the living areas inside and outside.
However, Vivienne and Brian were determined to upgrade the house and after 18 months of living in it and planning changes, they began an 11-month project that would turn it into a city retreat ideal for entertaining.
Vivienne says she loves open plan spaces and casual living but to achieve the easy flow and elegant finishes they wanted the house was gutted and virtually rebuilt.
In the process the home got a new roofline, higher ceilings, new kitchen and bathrooms, new decks and steps and a double garage on the street frontage.
From the street, the home's white on white colour scheme is given texture by their modern take on a picket fence and the oversized number '3' beside the front gate.
Inside, the open plan kitchen/dining/living space occupies most of the main floor with the view of the trees and water at the rear of the house drawing you through towards the glass-balustraded deck.
Image 1 of 8: 3 Hackett St, St Marys Bay, Auckland. Photograph / Michelle Hyslop.
"This is my favourite room," says Vivienne as she hits the remote to extend the awning over the deck. "You can be nice and sheltered out here."
In the living space, matai floors and a neutral colour scheme provide the perfect backdrop for the couple's collection of art and ceramics.
As well as a new kitchen, with engineered stone benches, a scullery (with laundry) was added in behind and it features dishwashers, a sink and an appliance cabinet so the kitchen's central island is freed up for entertaining.
Off the living space are two bedrooms that can be closed off via cavity sliders. Both have en suites with floors in grey tiles and white tiled walls.
The master bedroom opens to the deck, which spans the rear of the house, and has even more open views of the harbour.
Vivienne says the downstairs, with its open plan bedroom/living space, has been ideal for her adult daughter.
There is a walk-through wardrobe behind the bed and, off the living space, a bathroom with the same tile combinations as the upstairs bathrooms.
From the deck you can step down to the terraced back yard which is finished in artificial turf.
