SCHOOL ZONES:
Maungawhau School, Balmoral School, Epsom Girls’ Grammar and Mt Albert Grammar.
CONTACT:
Heather Walton, Ray White, 021 432 167.
Life can get very busy. The Wang family of Mt Eden knows this for sure.
Sally and George Wang had their first child -- and they also started their first house build -- in the same month nearly two years ago. The couple bought a character home at 130 BalmoralRd as an investment, intending to build a brand-new home for themselves on a site they purchased next door at 128C.
The Wangs moved into 130 Balmoral Rd ahead of the project.
Their much-longed-for daughter, Grace Chunyun Wang, was born on August 8, 2014, and at the same time work got started on the four-bedroom new build, designed by the Wangs' friend, Luke Lee of Modern Architecture Associates. Sally took baby Grace with her as she chose fixtures and fittings for the new house.
"I even had to change her nappy when I visited the kitchen designer," says Sally. Luckily the designers, KMD Kitchens, didn't seem to mind.
The Wangs' house is part of an enclave of new homes set down a driveway at 128A, 128B and 128C Balmoral Rd, which complement each other with a consistent look and concept.
When the Wangs briefed Lee for the internal layout and specifications, they wanted to make their house special.
"We told him vacant land in central Mt Eden was as rare as hens' teeth, so we wanted the best possible. Luke designed the house to a luxurious standard, including the windows, more sliding doors and more en suite bathrooms."
Image 1 of 6: The creators of this new four-bedroom home in Mt Eden wanted the best. Photos / Ted Baghurst
Sally kept to this quality policy throughout, indicating the master bedroom's enormous walk-in wardrobe as an example. It's fitted with base boards and other features to set it apart from standard versions. "I love wardrobes," says Sally with a smile.
Right from the front door it's apparent how much effort Sally has put into this home. A key-pad entry front door opens on to a double-height space, above which hangs a spectacular chandelier, chosen by Grace, Sally and Sally's mum.
The entrance foyer flows on to a formal living room, which has sliding doors that open on to a deck that runs the length of the house.
The home's casual living room and dining space are positioned next to a sleek kitchen, which sports white lacquer cabinetry, an engineered stone benchtop and a contemporary matte black Heritage sink.
Sally chose Miele appliances. There's a wall oven, combi microwave and convection oven, gas cooktop and rangehood.
The family living room has internal access to the double garage and under the stairs there's a compact, but very handy, powder room.
The glass-balustrade stairs lead up to a carpeted landing area, a perfect spot for a home office or kids' play area. There is a family bathroom with elegant marble-pattern tiles and two double bedrooms with double wardrobes. The other two bedrooms each have en suites and walk-in wardrobes, the larger of which is Sally's favourite.
She loves the home's warmth and quality, but the Wangs have decided to stay put in their existing character home as it has a bigger garden for Grace to play in.
