Ponsonby: Full of surprises

Thanks to a major overhaul, this former ugly duckling is now a shining example of exceptional living. By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

Evoking the senses and encouraging sensual living, this completely remodelled villa is beautifully decorated to a luxurious standard.

Demure from the street, albeit with incredible style, this home is privatised from passers-by with a solid wall intercepted with wood, richly coloured in chocolate brown, which sets the theme for what is to unfold inside.

A small landscaped garden - neat and symmetrical against the traditional-style balcony juxtaposed with a contemporary front door - is but the start of the journey into this dream of luxurious and sensual inner-city living.

The rich chocolate brown transfers through the door with a glass inset to the floorboards that sweep majestically down the hall to the living areas.

A spatial sensation is fashioned with all the room shaped through generous-height doors and joinery that draws the eye to the high stud above. This is especially noticeable in the two front bedrooms, where the floorboards ease into a soft brown carpet. Both of generous size, one has an en suite flanked by double wardrobes.

Taupe-coloured walls create a striking ambience in the en suite, where the strong symmetrical lines continue with the square hand basin, glass shower and tiles.

Opening up to a delicious space at the back of the home, the living area oozes sophistication and style. Sleekly set to one side, the kitchen - which is separated from the rest of the area by a subtle island bench housing integrated DishDrawers - is a light and pleasant environment central to the home's workings. Natural light spills through bench-level windows offering a view across neighbouring properties. Frosted glass cabinetry above and large storage cupboards dispense with clutter, and an external door to the carport means transporting shopping from the car is easy and almost effortless.

Extending the living area year-round, a large covered veranda with louvre shutters opens through bifold doors extending the width of the home. An exceptional space to dine at night, visitors and residences are transported to tropical shores with lush plantings and mature trees setting the scene at eye level.

A guest bathroom, complete with bath, is markedly complemented with horizontal tiles and a rectangular vertical window. A square basin and chrome towel rail further accentuate the strong lines.

The stairs leading downstairs, again flush with carpet, have a stunning centrepiece. A large window decorated for privacy is a visual feast before you arrive at another level full of surprises.

A second large living area is the central hub. Opening through bifolds to a more traditional-style veranda, which steps around and down to the landscaped rear garden and lawns, this area is perfect for housing the entertainment gear that often clutters more formal areas.

Behind a cavity slider, a large bathroom services two bedrooms. These rooms, both of generous size, have ample storage with wardrobes, with one of the rooms opening to the veranda.

Cleverly hidden, a laundry is tucked under the stairs and out of the way. An ideal utilisation of space, it is more than adequate for its purpose.

A stunning example of how a derelict shell can be transformed into an exquisite home designed for modish living, this home in one of Ponsonby's delightful streets offers a lifestyle not often found in Auckland.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 70 O'Neill St, Ponsonby.

FEATURES: Renovated and modernised villa; four bedrooms; two living areas opening to decks, one covered and enclosed for year-round living; three bathrooms; one carport and two off-street car parks with undercover access to kitchen.

SIZE: Land area 539sq m.

TENDER CLOSES: 4pm, March 11.

AGENTS: Cathy Roselli and Wayne Bulog, Unlimited Potential, Herne Bay. Ph 361 6658 bus; Cathy 021 750 454 mob; Wayne 0274 723 557 mob.