Ponsonby: Tropical haven

No longer tired of life is this delightful old Ponsonby villa. By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

The influence of a small Caribbean island off the coast of Florida has rejuvenated this once-tired villa and given it a new lease on life.

With exceptional street appeal, this funky Ponsonby villa has only a few original-style elements hinting at its origins. A picket fence is about the last remaining bastion before giving over to two mammoth palms surrounded by white pebbles mirrored on either side of the small lush garden framing the home. A groovy pebbled step leads guests to the small front veranda and front door.

Key West-inspired themes reign throughout the home, starting with the dark-stained shutters privatising the master bedroom. Mimicking this on the other side of the home are louvre doors used as a window dressing in another bedroom.

A tongue-and-groove front door opens to the hallway, which is awash with stunning dark-stained floorboards and relaxing muted colours that beautifully offset the high stud and modernised interior.

The master bedroom and its capacious en suite are welcoming spaces designed to maximise comfort in these private domains. A low window seat with a generous window sill - perfect for displaying treasured pieces - is a special feature, and adjoining the bedroom the en suite is a luxurious haven designed for excessive pampering. On the floor are striking tiles, and a large bath (an added bonus for an en suite) and tiled shower complement the dual basins with circular mirrors above.

The main bathroom, with similar fixtures and fittings as the en suite, is home to a modish shower with double glass doors and a free-standing basin with chrome towel rails.

Giving the home a cohesive feel, different shades of a rich natural hue are complemented by internal doors that are half tongue-and-groove and half louvre.

Two other generous bedrooms complete the private area of the home before louvre internal doors open to reveal the large living areas.

On two levels - one that forms part of the original house and the other an open and airy addition - the living areas allow for various levels of entertaining.

The top area is a cosy space where serious relaxing is called for. Inviting, the area is made almost dream-like by a sheer window dressing held up by a bamboo rod. Open on all sides to the kitchen and living area below and the dining space to the left, the area is private but not cut off from the workings of the home.

Stepping down to the kitchen and second living area, a demarcation is visually created with the addition of sumptuous carpet inset in the tongue-and-groove floorboards. A striking gas fireplace set in a deep black surround is centred between two large windows, and large bifold doors open to the deck and pool area.

The kitchen, which is cleverly placed along an internal wall, displays loads of designer elements, including granite benchtops, tongue-and-groove cabinetry and a curved-fronted island.

Pitched ceilings with exposed beams add to the spacious tent-like structure, which opens up to give the home a holiday ambience.

Outside, an abundance of tropical plantings tops off the balmy and resort-like environment of this welcoming retreat.

Vital Statistics

ADDRESS: 33 Clarence St, Ponsonby.

FEATURES: Caribbean-inspired renovated villa with three double bedrooms (master with en suite); central kitchen; dining room; two living spaces, one of which opens to deck and palm-fringed pool; gas fireplace; tropical gardens; three-car off-street parking.

AUCTION: at 6.30pm, May 6, at All Saints Church, 284 Ponsonby Rd.

AGENT: Ann McDonald, Ray White, Ponsonby. Ph 376 2186 bus; 376 0699 ah; 021 650 900 mob.