Ponsonby: Modern elegance

A mammoth makeover has turned this one-time squatter's paradise into a character-packed home with a smart edge. By VICKI HOLDER.

Several years ago this tall Edwardian home was known as "the Munster house" and was only fit for squatters.

Now, after a complete makeover that marries beautifully preserved original character features with a smart contemporary fit-out, it's one of the finest homes in the street.

The new owner grew up in an old character home and was far more sentimental about the value of the home than someone wanting to improve it for resale. Comparing it to a precious antique full of vintage kauri, he says: "They just don't make homes like this anymore so it deserved a lot of care."

Rather than just covering up the kauri with paint, he weathered the substantial cost of stripping it back to achieve a finish that sets it off to its best advantage. Original interior window frames in the formal lounge and the old staircase have become a feature in the revamped home.

He also spent considerable time rummaging through demolition yards for aged pieces that enhance the home. The forged iron fretwork that forms a fence across the street is a demolition find, as is the streaky marble on the front steps. Cut crystal handles on doors and the beautiful Art Deco light-fitting in the master bedroom are other examples of his dedication to detail.

He was not so endeared with the old to let it blur his judgement of what constitutes a great kitchen, however. As a well-known restaurateur, his kitchen had to play a pivotal role in the redesigned living areas, realigned for absolute privacy from neighbours. He wanted a kitchen capable of large-scale entertaining, which is why he introduced commercial-grade Viking appliances, such as the large double gas oven, extractor fan, dishwasher and fridge-freezer. Even the built-in barbecue outside on the landscaped entertaining terrace is a commercial-grade Viking.

Appliances line up along one boundary wall with robust, stainless-steel cabinetry designed by Stuart Bowman from Apartmento. The whole orientation of the kitchen has been switched to capture the afternoon sun, which pours in through bifold doors across the swimming pool. A long Carrara marble bench in the middle of the room doubles as a casual dining table. A small table and banquette seating at one end has the casual feel of a cafe, opening through french doors to the garden.

Two more living areas at the other end of the kitchen focus on the pool. When guests come indoors, they can retire to a traditional lounge off the hallway with a fireplace and timber floors ducted for underfloor heating (it was never installed as the gas heating keeps the home warm in winter).

Up a set of stairs lit by low halogens on risers, an en suite has been added to the master bedroom. A wall of storage cabinets was custom-designed to look old to suit the feel of the room. The bathroom, however, is sleek and modern with glass mosaic tiles on the floor and a marble-topped vanity with green glass drawers. You can soak beneath a window in the old, flared, coffin-style clawfoot bath.

A second en suite off a child's bedroom is plumbed ready to go. Because the house is so elevated, this sunny room has perhaps the best view in the area, reaching north-west across Ponsonby as far as the Waitakere Ranges.

In the basement, a self-contained guest or teenage area offers a fourth bedroom, kitchenette and bathroom. Storage rooms, designed as a wine cellar and luggage repository, could easily convert to a fifth bedroom.

Totally secure behind a solid wall, this large property - by Ponsonby standards - has a single carport with remote entry. The owners have resource consent for a double garage, plus off-street parking outside the fence on a sweep of pavers.

Just a walk from the restaurants in Ponsonby Rd, the elegant old home lets owners experience modern ease and comfort in the tradition of yesteryear.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 22 Summer St, Ponsonby.

FEATURES: Restored, renovated, three-level Edwardian villa full of character with original staircase, tall stud, kauri floors; heated swimming pool and landscaped garden; new kitchen with commercial-grade Viking appliances; built-in Viking barbecue; three living areas - two opening to pool - plus a traditional formal lounge with fire; gas heating and floors ducted for underfloor heating; three bedrooms upstairs with master en suite and second en suite plumbed for child's room; fourth bedroom in self-contained guest area below with kitchenette and living area; storage rooms plus laundry in basement; secure single carport with remote door; resource consent for double garage; off-street parking.

SIZE: Land area 485sq m.

AUCTION: 2pm, July 9, at Bayleys' Maritime Square auction rooms.

AGENTS: Andrea Bell Ritchie and Iain Rankine, Bayleys. Ph 309 620 bus; Andrea 021 906 793 mob; Iain 021 935 778 mob.